“Are there any young people in the family?” Tembarom asked.
“Young people? Male or female?” Palliser smilingly put it. Suddenly it occurred to him that this might give him a sort of lead.
“Girls,” said Tembarom, crudely—“just plain girls.”
Palliser laughed. Here it was, perhaps.
“They are not exactly ‘plain’ girls, though they are not beauties. There are four Misses Grantham. Lucy is the prettiest. Amabel is quite tremendous at tennis.”
“Are they ladies?” inquired Tembarom.
Captain Palliser turned and involuntarily stared at him. What was the fellow getting at?
“I’m afraid I don’t quite understand,” he said.
The new Temple Barholm looked quite serious. He did not, amazing to relate, look like a fool even when he gave forth his extraordinary question. It was his almost business-like seriousness which saved him.
“I mean, do you call them Lady Lucy and Lady Amabel?” he answered.