He glanced at her anxiously, this morbid conversation must stop before he went: he heartily cursed the brother for leaving this sweet little creature alone.
“May I smoke?” he asked to change the talk.
“Why, certainly,” she said, and bit her tongue with vexation as she realised she had nothing to offer, but Halley produced his case.
“You don’t?” he asked offering it to her.
“No, that’s not one of my vices,” she laughed.
“Do you know I am so glad; I suppose I am old-fashioned, but I can never get used to girls smoking, especially young girls.”
“I’m twenty-one,” she said bridling.
“I beg your pardon, Miss Sefton, I was not thinking of any special case.”
She did not know whether to be annoyed or not, so changed the conversation.
“The wireless set is our only amusement, but I am afraid it is out of order.”