"What in--what's the meaning of all this--this stuff in the papers?"
Thompson's difficulty in expressing himself under the handicap of the interdiction against profanity imposed by the presence of the women was a trifle ludicrous. But his tone and manner were almost as bad as an oath would have been.
Alicia's eyebrows rose. She rose herself.
"Perhaps we had better withdraw," she said.
If Merriam, who had never seen her in any other than a gracious and seductive mood, could have turned his head to look, he would have marvelled at her freezing disdain. Mollie June imitated her in rising and in a more youthful hauteur. Without waiting for any reply Alicia turned and walked into the bedroom, and Mollie June followed.
But feminine disdain, however magnificent, had little effect on Thompson. He was obviously relieved. He looked at Aunt Mary, plainly desiring that she should go too.
"No, I think I'll remain, Mr. Thompson," she said pleasantly.
Then he looked at Simpson, and the latter cast an inquiring glance at Aunt Mary.
"You may stay, please, Simpson," said she. "We shall be finishing our breakfast presently."
Before Thompson could digest this snub Alicia reëntered from the bedroom. She carried a white knitted wool scarf, with which she went to Merriam.