‘Yes, we were discussing girls. My friend here is a bit of a cynic.’
‘Don’t believe him,’ interjected Beefy.
‘I think you are all very gay at the Cadet School. Now, will you excuse me? My sister and I have to go on to hospital. We’re V.A.D.’s, you know.’
‘Oh, don’t go yet,’ pleaded Beefy. ‘I wonder if we may ask you to tea at the picture-house.’
‘It’s hardly conventional, is it?’
‘But it’s war-time, Miss Clarke, and of course—we know your brother. He will be quite pleased, I am sure.’
‘That sounds consoling to my conscience.’ Then, turning, she called her sister Hilda over, and away we went to the tea-rooms.
They were well-educated and most charming girls, and Marjory dispensed tea like a duchess.
‘Do tell me, Mr Brown, what you two were fighting about when I stopped you.’