"What's 'split'?" questioned Orion.
"Hush, you little beggar!" Philip drew Orion to one side and began to whisper in his ear. Orion's face got very red.
"Oh!" he said. "Well, I won't tell. What are you talking about, Iris?"
"I want to find Diana," said Iris.
"I have not seen her," said Orion. "I wish you would not bother me, Iris. I am talking to Philip. Phil and I has got some secrets. Very well, Phil; we'll walk on in front, if you like."
"Yes, come along," said Philip; "you can come too, Conrad. Now, Orion, if you are not going to be a silly goose and a tell-tale, I'll—" Here he dropped his voice to a whisper, and Orion bent an attentive ear.
Iris, in some bewilderment, turned to her girl cousins.
"I must find Diana," she said.
"She may be in the house," said Ann. "Perhaps she has gone to the nurseries—perhaps she is with Simpson."
The whole party entered the house, which was very cool and pleasant in contrast to the hot outside world. They met Mr. Dolman striding across the hall.