“What will you be to-night, Jim?” asked Miss Perry.
“Achilles, sulking in my tent.”
“Where will you put your tent?” said Miss Perry. “One can’t dance in a tent. And what will you do when you are sulky?”
“Gnash my teeth and curse my luck.”
“I will dance with you twice if you would like me to,” said Miss Perry with charming friendliness.
“I shall not be there,” said Jim, whose studied unconcern was rather a failure.
“Not be there!” said Miss Perry, with consternation.
“Aunt Caroline has not axed me.”
It was some kind of solace to Jim Lascelles that dismay and incredulity contended upon the usually calm and unruffled countenance of Miss Perry.
“Miss Burden has forgotten you,” said she. “I must speak to her.”