"Bottled beer," said George eagerly.
"Surely some are teetotallers!"
"Then they drink cocoa, and that's chocolate melted down. On the other hand, plenty of ladies drink beer. You can see them carrying jugs—"
"Not ladies!" cried Nellie.
"Well, charwomen—they are ladies from a business point of view. I can see myself making tons of money," said George delightedly. "If only Aunt Sophy—"
"Do please let the poor old lady live on and enjoy herself. You wouldn't like to be hunted out of the world to suit anybody's plans. And now," said Nellie, "we reach the fourth subject, which I flatter myself has some connection with a certain person who is quite used to being regarded as an afterthought."
"Three persons—Kezia, Bessie, Robert. They must go, all of them."
"Really this is the last straw!" cried Nellie. "I was almost certain I should be at least honourably mentioned."
"But I am talking to you, not about you. I'm telling you my secrets—and I wouldn't do that to anyone but you. Nellie, you don't think I am playing with your affections?"
"I'll not listen any longer. I couldn't expect to come first, but I did hope to be placed last."