The girls were indignant and appealed to Dr. Brown.
“I think,” said he, “perhaps you had better not go. The young gentlemen can join you later, you know, at Allens' party.”
“Oh, we don't want them then,” said Ethel, “and, indeed, we can go by ourselves to the party.”
“Now, Ethel, don't be naughty,” said Larry.
“I shall be very glad to take you to the party, Miss Murray,” said MacLean. “I don't care so much for the meeting.”
“That will be fine, Mac!” exclaimed Larry enthusiastically. “In this way neither they nor we will need to hurry.”
“Disgustingly selfish creature,” said Ethel, making a face at him across the table.
Jane said nothing, but her face fell into firmer lines and her cheeks took on a little colour. The dinner was cut short in order to allow Dr. Brown to get through with his list of waiting patients.
“We have a few minutes, Ethel,” said Larry. “Won't you give us a little Chopin, a nocturne or two, or a bit of Grieg?”
“Do, Ethel,” said Jane, “although you don't deserve it, Larry. Not a bit,” she added.