“Oh, well, if you are so serious about it as that, let it drop,” returned Helen, good-humouredly. “I only thought to give you pleasure—and Sophie Chalk did ask to come in.”
“Who is this Sophie Chalk? That’s about the nineteenth time I have asked it.”
“The sweetest girl in the world.”
“Let that pass. Who is she?”
“I went to school with her at Miss Lakon’s. She used to do my French for me, and touch up my drawings. She vowed a lasting friendship, and I am not going to forget it. Every one loves her. Lord and Lady Augustus Difford have just had her staying with them for two months.”
“Good souls!” cried Bill, satirically.
“She is the loveliest fairy in the world, and dresses like an angel. Will you see her now, William?”
“No.”
Helen went off with a flounce. Bill was half laughing, half peevish over it. Confinement made him fretful.
“As if I’d let them bring a parcel of girls in to bother me! You’ve had her for these past three weeks, I hear, Johnny.”