"Indeed you must not," said Lord Bidborough. "Forgive me, Miss Jean, if I am undermining your authority, but, really, one must have some say in what one is to be called. Why not call me Biddy?"
"That might be too familiar," said Jock. "I think I would rather call you Richard Plantagenet."
"Because it isn't my name?"
"It sort of suits you," Jock said.
"I like long names," said Mhor.
"Will you call me Richard Plantagenet, Miss Jean?"
The yellow lights in Jean's eyes sparkled. "If you'll call me
Penny-plain," she said.
"Then that's a bargain, though I don't think either of us is well suited. However—now that we are really friends, what did you do this afternoon that was so very important?"
"Talked to Lewis Elliot for one thing: he came to tea."
"I see. An excellent fellow, Lewis. He's a relation of yours, isn't he?"