“Well, I’ll come by the door. There! That’s a fair offer. I’m not going to stick to silliness—when it’s so silly!”
“All very well,” he said coldly. “But you know you can’t get through my door.”
“Goodness gracious! Have I grown so fat?”
“Don’t pretend. You know it’s the flood. Besides, it wouldn’t be any good my going through the window. What I said when I raised my hand to heaven was that your grandfather should never see me in his house——!”
“Just what I said—I remember now,” she interrupted. “I said you’d never see me in Frog Farm. And yet you did—and lost your bet too.” Her face was gay again. “So I gave in first, you see, sweetheart, and now you’ve got to play fair.”
“You don’t listen—you cut into my words. What I swore was that your grandfather should never see me in his house unless he carried me in!”
Her gaiety grew hysterical. “Ha, ha, ha!” she laughed. “Grandfather’s given up carrying ages ago. I’m his deputy now. Oh dear!” She measured him with a rueful eye. “Well, I can but try!” And she put her arms round his hips.
“Don’t make light of an oath, Jinny.” He pushed her off with his left hand.
“ ’Twas you that made light of an oath—taking the Lord’s name over trifles.”
“I never took the Lord’s name,” he said sullenly. “I only lifted my hand.”