"I beg your pardon," said Jerry, straightening up, hurt at the old lady's tone. "The invitation was also extended to your daughter, but she declined. I thought you might be pleased to give your niece a little pleasure."
"Go to a dance—unchaperoned?"
"My mother and sisters will be there."
"A child of her age?" said Mrs. Chichester.
"CHILD is it?" cried Peg vehemently. "I'd have ye know my father lets me go anywhere—"
"MARGARET!" and the old lady attempted to silence Peg with a gesture. Peg changed her tone and pleaded:
"Plaze let me go. I'll study me head off tomorrow, if ye'll only let me dance me feet off a bit tonight. Plaze let me!"
The old lady raised her band commanding Peg to stop. Then turning to Jerry she said in a much softer tone:
"It was most kind of you to trouble to come over. You must pardon me if I seem ungracious—but it is quite out of the question."
Peg sprang up, eager to argue it out.