‘O no, Aunt, it’s very good of them,’ said Freddy, ‘think how they’ll liven up the place.’
‘I don’t doubt that for a minute,’ said Aunt Julia, and snapped her teeth with unusual decision.
‘Are you out in Chambers or in the College, Mr. Cockerel?’ enquired the Bugg with a pleasant smile.
‘I’m sorry to say it’s my last year, Miss Bugg,’ I replied, ‘and I’m out in digs, you must come and see them some day.’
‘I should love it,’ replied the companion with a rapturous gaze at the electric light.
‘My dear Ophelia,’ interjected a warning voice from the top of the table, ‘you can’t go without a chaperon!’
At this remark I heard a suppressed gurgle beside me and turned in time to see Freddy hide his face in a napkin, while a soup spoon waved feebly in his nerveless fingers.
Squiff, however, who has marvellous self-control, relieved the situation by complimenting Lady Blitherington on the possession of Jacob.
‘The smartest little King Charles I have ever seen,’ he said with apparent sincerity.
‘Ah! Mr. O’Rossa, Ophelia will be pleased to hear you say that,’ said the old lady, ‘she has tended that dog like a baby for the last ten years.’