"Have you been talking to any abandoned creatures to-night?"
"Of course he hasn't," cried Molly indignantly.
"I have spoken with no one of the opposite sex," said George with dignity, "except the girl who stole the necklace. And that was a purely business discussion which would not have brought a blush to the cheek of the sternest critic. I said 'Hand over that necklace!' and she handed it over, and then her husband came and took her away."
"You hear?" said Mr. Waddington.
"No, I don't," said Mrs. Waddington.
"Well, take it from me that this splendid young man from the West is as pure as driven snow. So now let's hear from you once more. Why did the policeman lock you in?"
"We had a misunderstanding."
"How?"
"Well, I—er—happened to throw a little pepper in his face."
"Sweet artichokes of Jerusalem! Why?"