“Ah, your mother, your respected mother. I do like to find young girls considering their mothers. It’s a sweet trait—yes, it’s a very sweet trait—in your character, Miss Norah. Still, I’ve no doubt that you and I, between us, shall be able to manage with your mother, afterwards—that is, if you will condescend to accept my little offering.”
“Thank you, Major Tibbet, but I will not.”
“Then, in that case, we’ll say no more about it, and we’ll settle it in this way. I’ve ordered dinner at the King’s restaurant this evening. If they carry out my instructions—and, if they don’t, they’ll hear of it!—I think I can promise you something which shall be worthy even of—Miss Norah; if Miss Norah will permit me to count upon her as my guest.”
“I thought, Major Tibbet, that the dinner also was intended for mamma.”
“Really, Miss Norah, really! you are unduly severe, you really are! You should never go behind an invitation—never. When I invite you, I invite you, and venture to anticipate a favourable reply. It would make me so happy, Miss Norah, it really would.”
Jack Purchase came forward.
“Pardon me, Major Tibbet. Perhaps, Miss Norah, I had better explain. Major Tibbet, Miss Norah will not be able to dine with you to-night, as she is sharing my box at the Gaiety Theatre.”
Basil Carter followed.
“Major Tibbet, in a sense, that statement is correct—with the solitary exception that it is my box which Miss Norah is going to share.”
“Now, Basil, have I again to remonstrate with you?”