"You are a Philistine," said Clarence. "But it's attractive."
"One of Grandfather's friends does it for a living, and taught me, as a token of affection and esteem, she called it. Would it be any use?"
"Use?" said Clarence rapturously. "You are exactly what the doctor ordered. If I can stun Gail into submission you shall be our leading lady, with all the real star parts in your grasp. Rehearsals at ten sharp, and I'm the director. Me voici!"
He rose and made her a deep bow.
He had, apparently, quite forgotten John, who still sat quietly with his paper across his knees, listening to them.
"And where do I come in?" he asked with a little twinkle in his eyes.
"Oh-oh yes," returned Clarence genially, "my dear fellow, how could we have forgotten you? Good old John, to want a part!"
He sounded to Joy rather too much as if he was saying, "Good old Fido!"
"It's something like saying it to a large dog with a bite, too," she meditated naughtily. "Clarence may find that out in a minute."
She went on with her domestic duties, mending the tiny holes in the socks in her lap, and smiling secretly to herself. It did not occur to her, but if any one had told her a month before that she would be sitting alone with two interesting men, watching their relations becoming more and more strained on her account, she would have denied it flatly. Now that it was happening it seemed quite natural. It had doubtless seemed quite natural to Aunt Lucilla.... She darned on placidly, while Clarence continued his infuriating efforts to put John at ease.