“A perfect babe in the woods!” she said. “How you manage to hold your own at conference table I’m sure I couldn’t imagine!”
“Sorry,” said Grand, unsmiling, following through with the youthful gesture of slightly ducking his head for a sip of tea.
Of course it was all largely an act between them.
“Name one good stock in which you hold ten thousand shares,” said Agnes sharply.
“One good stock ...” repeated Guy Grand, his great brow clouding.
“... that begins with an ‘A’,” said Aunt Esther.
“That begins with an ‘A’?” said Grand, almost incredulous, yet as willing as a good-natured child at play.
“Esther!” cried Agnes.
“Well, do you mean exactly ten thousand, or at least ten thousand?” asked Guy.
“At least ten thousand,” said Agnes. “And it needn’t,” she added, with a straight look to her sister, “begin with an ‘A’!”