Lucy laughed too, and was appeased. She bent down to look at him, confessed that he was pale, and that she had better not take him lest there should be catastrophes.
'Well, then, I must go alone,' she said, turning away discontentedly. 'I don't know what's the good of it. Nobody cares to see me without him or you.'
The last sentence came out with a sudden energy, and as she looked back towards him he saw that her cheek was flushed.
'What, in that new gown?' he said, smiling, and looked her up and down approvingly.
Her expression brightened.
'Do you like it?' she said, more graciously.
'Very much. You look as young as when I first teased you! Come here and let me give you a "nip for new."'
She came docilely. He pretended to pinch the thin wrist she held out to him, and then, stooping, lightly kissed it.
'Now go and enjoy yourself,' he said, 'and I'll take care of Sandy. Don't tire yourself. Take a cab when you want one.'
She was moving away when a thought struck her.