Rollo did not join in the general smile. He answered composedly—
'What I would not let my sister do, Miss Josephine, I am bound not to ask of another lady.'
'Why wouldn't you let your sister? You haven't got one, and don't know. But that's being awfully strict. I had no idea you were so strict. I thought you were jolly.'
'Could you hinder your sister?' Stuart asked with a slight laugh. The answer was, however, unhesitating.
'Why would you hinder her?' repeated Josephine.
'Ask Kitty Fisher.'
'Kitty? Does she know? And why shouldn't you tell us as well as her?'
Rollo took Miss Kennedy's plate at the instant and went off with it.
'That's all bosh,' said Josephine. 'I like people that are jolly. The German is real jolly. Last week we danced it with candles—it was splendid fun.'
'Not here?' said one of the gentlemen.