Audrey interposed, deftly:
“There does seem to be a good deal of rubbish about, doesn’t there? Supposing we take its existence for granted. My dear Norah, you must let me congratulate you on the flattering eagerness with which these gentlemen desire your presence in their two boxes. It is rather an unusual experience for you, is it not? And all the pleasanter on that account. What pretty roses these are; they are just like some which Mr Carter has occasionally given me.”
Seating herself by my side Audrey took the pink roses from between my fingers. Mr Purchase struck what I can only describe as an attitude.
“The position which Carter has taken up justifies me in giving you my personal assurance that those roses were intended for you, Miss Audrey.”
Mr Carter gave him back as good as he sent; I do not care if that is a vulgar way of putting it, it is a correct one.
“And were not those red roses bought by you for Miss Doris, Purchase? You know they were.”
Audrey went sweetly on.
“You are lucky, Norah. You not only get our roses, but our seats in boxes too. What a popular child you are.”
Doris’ voice came from the couch.
“What I want to know is—since it appears that you do not propose to divide yourself into two equal halves—which of these extraordinary persons do you propose to favour with your company? They themselves don’t seem to know, perhaps you do.”