"I say, Tom—couldn't you contrive to let one have a peep at this angel of yours?"
"Quite impossible. She is the shyest creature in the world, and would shrink from the sight of a stranger."
"But, my dear Tom——"
"I can't do it, I tell you; so it's no use asking me."
"Well, I must say you are abominably selfish. But what on earth are you going to do with that red and blue Joinville? You can't go down to court without a white neckcloth."
"I am not going down to court."
"Why, my good fellow! what on earth is the meaning of this?"
"I am not going down to court, that's all. I say, Fred, how do I look in this sort of thing?"
"Uncommonly like a cock-pheasant in full plumage. But tell me what you mean?"
"Why, since you must needs know, I am going up stairs to breakfast with Miss Percy."