“It frequently is,” said Mrs. Medallion. She turned to her nephew. “Toby, you’re a fool. Why shouldn’t you be engaged?” Captain Rage grinned sheepishly. “No reason at all,” he said. “Only—only it was all rather sudden, you know. The—the words wouldn’t come.” “Yes, I noticed that,” said his aunt. “They still seem rather reluctant.” “What did I say?” said Cicely, sliding an arm through Toby’s and addressing his aunt. “You see? He’s ashamed of himself. He feels his position. They can’t help it. Where are you staying, Mrs. Medallion?” “At Pau. Should I like Biarritz?” “I should come for the day. It’s not very far. I think Pau’s quieter, you know.” Mrs. Medallion regarded her. “I heard you ask,” she said, “for a cigarette.” “I didn’t know you were here,” said Cicely Voile. “I shouldn’t smoke before you, because I’m younger than you and so it’s up to me not to give you offence. I’ve got an aunt called Susan who simply loathes it. So I never smoke before her.” Mrs. Medallion turned to her companion. “A very proper spirit,” she said defiantly. “Admirable,” said Miss Woolly. “Miss Voile, this is Miss Woolly, who bears with me.” Miss Woolly laughed, and Cicely stepped on to the running-board and put out her hand. “It can’t be a very hard life,” she said. “You’re looking too well.” “I suppose you dance, child?” said Mrs. Medallion. “I do,” said Cicely. “I love it. I know the dances of to-day aren’t all they might be, but neither is anything else, for the matter of that. I imagine that convents are as conservative as ever, but outside them——” “I doubt it,” sighed Mrs. Medallion. “Look at the gaols. I don’t believe in torture, but I always had a weakness for the discouragement of crime. Never mind. Come back to Pau now, and I’ll give you some tea. Toby!” “Yes, Aunt Ira.” “Take Miss Voile out of sight and give her her cigarette. I think she’s earned it. Then follow us back to Pau. By the way, d’you feel better now?” “Much better, thank you, Aunt Ira,” said Captain Rage. “What a fool you are,” said his aunt. “I don’t expect to be welcomed, but misprision of my understanding I cannot endure. But for your pretty advocate, your ghastly endeavours to dissemble would have cost you extremely dear.” Her nephew quailed. “Besides, aren’t you proud of her?” “I should think I was,” said Toby heartily. “Then act accordingly,” said Mrs. Medallion. “And if ever again you want to throw dust in my eyes, throw dust—not clods of earth. If you can manage to blind me, that’s one to you. But I won’t be assaulted.” “I’m very sorry, Aunt Ira,” said Toby humbly. “I’m glad to hear it.” She turned to address Miss Voile. “Now don’t go and heal those stripes as soon as my back is turned. Give him the cold shoulder for a quarter ’f an hour. And please tell the driver to turn and take us to Pau. I shall expect you at four at the Hôtel de France.” “Thank you very much,” said Cicely. “I’m sorry my entrance was so abrupt, but——”