His manner rather overawed the two boys, who thought it wise to be civil to begin with, at any rate.
So they touched their caps, and Magnus said—
“Do you happen to know the shortest cut down to Llanberis, sir?”
“We’ve lost our way, don’t you know,” said Joe; “and we’ve got to catch the last train back to—you know—what’s-his-name—Llandudno.”
Jove looked a little scared, and, by way of intimating that he did not understand a word, shook his head.
“I wish you wouldn’t shake your head,” said Juno, the lady next to him; “it upsets everything, and makes the glasses spill. Why can’t you say, like a man, you don’t understand German? Who are your friends, pray? We’ve quite enough boys about the place without any more. What is it, you boys? We’ve nothing for you!”
“Poor boys,” said the good-looking lady before mentioned; “they look quite hungry.”
“So we are,” said Magnus. “Ainsi nous sommes.”
“Tout droit” said Venus (that was her name), with a smile across the table at the gentleman with the Jew’s harp; “vous aurez quelque chose a manger dans une seconde. Make room for the boys, Vulcan. We’ll excuse you.”
Here the lame gentleman with the murky face slowly hobbled up, apparently greatly relieved to be allowed to go. And Magnus minor and Joe, without further invitation, crowded in at the table between Venus and the lady with the shield.