I hinted at tea, and she knows
where to find me. . . . Oh, by George, yes! Lettice always knows
where I am, somehow. Meanwhile, here's your good staid chaperon."
He dropped into a chair. "Otty, you're looking serious. What were
you talking about, you two?"
"Well, it's like this," said I, after a glance at her; "Constantia's
going to be married--to Jack Foe."
He had started up at my first words, to congratulate her. As I
dropped out the last three, with admirable presence of mind--"When in
doubt, apply cake," said he hoarsely, cramming a large piece into his
mouth to stifle his emotion.
"I am not in doubt," said Constantia serenely; "and I suppose that is
why you help yourself as first aid, before offering me some bread and
butter, while Roddy lets me pour the tea. Thank you," she added, as
he whipped about with an apology. "Don't speak with your mouth full:
it's rude. . . . And now listen to me. Roddy, here, is off for South
America, he tells me. Two days ago he wrote to Jack, asking for the
latitude and longitude, as near as might be, of a certain island.
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