"My niece is tired after her journey. She will lunch in her room."
"Oh, but I'm not a bit tired," ejaculated Peg anxiously. "I'm not tired at all, and I'd much rather have lunch down here with Mr. Jerry."
The whole family were aghast.
Ethel looked indignantly at Peg.
Mrs. Chichester ejaculated: "What?"
Alaric, almost struck dumb, fell back upon: "Well, I mean to say!"
"And you SHALL go in with Mr. Jerry," said that young gentleman, slipping Peg's arm through his own. Turning to Mrs. Chichester he asked her: "With your permission we will lead the way. Come—Peg," and he led her to the door and opened it.
Peg looked up at him, a roguish light dancing in her big expressive eyes.
"Thanks. I'm not so sure about that wager of yours. I think yer life is safe. I want to tell ye ye've saved mine." She put one hand gently on her little stomach and cried: "I am so hungry me soul is hangin' by a thread."
Laughing gaily, the two new-found friends went in search of the dining-room.