"Nonsense," said Jimmy; "I don't believe a word of it."
"Do you imagine that Carrissima could possibly tell me an untruth?" demanded Sybil. "She was half beside herself when I met her, or she would never have said a word."
"Now," suggested Jimmy, "you have hit the explanation. Carrissima was beside herself. Of course," he added, "I shall clear the matter up, but I tell you, to begin with, I don't believe a word of it."
"How Carrissima managed to carry it off," said Sybil, "seems wonderful to me."
"A wonderful story altogether," returned Jimmy.
"Neither Mark nor—nor his companion had the slightest idea they were discovered," said Sybil.
"Oh, then Carrissima didn't tackle the fellow!"
"How could she?" asked Sybil. "You see, she had no actual right to complain! Mark Driver, I dare say, would consider himself free to—to kiss any woman he pleased."
"Anyhow," said Jimmy, with all the assurance in the world, "he didn't kiss Bridget."
"Oh, how can you be so blind!" exclaimed his sister.