"Oh, aren't you?" He looked at her with laughing eyes. "What do you call it, then? An understanding? Or are you just 'walking out' like 'Arry and 'Arriet?"
Meg laughed happily. "We love each other—we've not got beyond that yet. I suppose we're just 'walking out.'"
"You've told each other about the loving?" Freddy's kindness was bringing something like tears to Margaret's eyes.
"Yes. Michael didn't mean to—it . . ." she paused.
"Oh, I know! The usual thing. Things seem to be going on all right."
He laughed. "It mustn't run too smoothly."
"Don't laugh, Freddy. Michael thought you would think it cheek—he won't allow me to consider myself bound to him." She laughed deliriously. "The dear boy wants me to feel free to change my mind, because he's 'a drifter,' because he thinks he isn't a good enough match for your sister. Your sister, Freddy, comes right above mere Meg."
"I see," Freddy said. "Then I'm not to speak about it yet, am I? Just tell me what you want and I'll do it."
"Not yet, Freddy—not while that odious woman is here, at any rate."
"All right, I'll wait. Only I'd rather like to see her face when I congratulated Mike."
"Ought you to congratulate Mike? I'm your sister—isn't it the other way on? Shouldn't you congratulate me?"