“So lovely of you to come,” she said. “I’ve been feeling ever so dull. And now you’ve come, you must stay. The doctor has had to go to Mulgoa, and may not be back to-night; and I want an escort for the concert.”
“Is there a concert?” Norah asked.
“Didn’t you know? Ah, well, I suppose you irresponsible people don’t read the local paper,” said their hostess, pouring out tea. “Cream, Wally? No? How ridiculous of you, and you so thin! Yes, we’re to have a tremendous concert. I forget what it’s in aid of, but it’s mainly local talent, and so it’s bound to be exciting. And I can’t go by myself, and it’s quite too hot to go out and find a companion. Personally, I think Providence has delivered you into my hands!”
“Afraid we can’t, thanks very much, Mrs. Anderson,” Jim told her. “We didn’t say we’d be away.”
“Pooh! They would know at home that you would be all right,” said Mrs. Anderson. “You station folk never seem to worry about times and seasons, and I always think it’s so delightful! Your father would know the others were quite safe in your care, Jim.”
“I hope you children are taking note of that speech,” said Jim, laughing. “I wish I could feel as confident about it as you do, Mrs. Anderson—but, unfortunately, my years don’t seem to convince Dad of my common sense. I’m afraid he’d be worried if we didn’t turn up for dinner.”
“Rubbish!” said Mrs. Anderson. “He would know you stayed for something or other; probably he reads the local paper, if you don’t, and is acquainted with the dissipated intentions of Cunjee. I’m certainly not going to let you escape now that I have you all!”
“What do you think, Nor.?” Jim asked his sister.
“Why, I don’t suppose he’d mind,” Norah answered. “It always seems much the same to be out with you as with him, though it’s very imprudent of me to let you know it.”
“He wouldn’t mind if he knew,” Jim said, doubtfully. “Still——”