His brow cleared at once; laughing, he placed himself before the door.
"Oh, but," expostulated Ted, "I—er—I—really, you know, I just live here!"
"Wish you did, old man!"
"It's awfully kind, you know, and all that, but—"
"Oh, Ted, what a lot of breath you do waste!" ejaculated Nell. She spoke heartily, because she felt that if he went away, she would be shamed forever; but she was still cross, and inclined to make molehills into mountains.
She took her place at the table and watched Denis moodily as he peered into the dish before him.
"I say, Sheila Pat, fetch me the fairy spectacles of Karring Glen! I'll need 'em! Bothered if my own unaided mortal eyes can find any meat or snails or puppy-dogs' tails here!"
"It's curried chicken," said Nell, austerely.
"Thanks, my dear! But are you sure 'tisn't curried rice?"
"I'm in luck," Ted observed quietly; "I adore rice."