“And never said good-bye!” finished Mr. Linton, with an artistic catch in his voice.
“I did,” said Wally: “I did it all. And I didn’t want to.”
Sounds of disbelief rose from his hearers.
“You needn’t snort,” said the victim, inelegantly.
“I don’t think it betters your case to describe our just indignation as snorting,” said Mr. Linton.
“If you were to grovel it would become you better,” said Norah.
“Not in this boat,” hastily remarked her father. “It isn’t planned for gymnastics.”
“He’s too well-fed to grovel, anyhow,” said Jim brutally. “What did you have in the ducal castle, Wal? ortolans and plovers’ eggs, and things?”
“Chops,” said Wally.
“Shades of Australia!” ejaculated Mr. Linton. “Is that what one eats in company with dukes?”