"So it might," said George. "Only that we get over sea-sickness in a couple of days, and sea-drenchings are wholesome. However, don't let it disturb your placidity: the yacht is wanting, and I am not likely to have the opportunity of trying it. No, thank you, Janet"--rejecting a plate she was offering him--"I cannot eat anything."
"Mrs. Briscow comes to-day, George," observed Bessy. "Janet is going to meet her at the station at four. She is coming purposely to see you."
"Very amiable of the old lady!" responded George. "It's a pity I am going out to dinner."
Thomas looked surprised. George was not yet in precisely dinner-visiting condition.
"I have promised Mrs. Verrall to get as far as the Folly this afternoon, and stay and dine with them. _En famille_, you know."
"Mr. Verrall is not at home," said Bessy.
"But she and Charlotte are," responded George.
"You know you must not be out in the night air, George."
"I shall be home by sundown, or thereabouts. Not that the night air would hurt me now."
"You cannot take rich dishes yet," urged Bessy again.
"Bien entendu. Mrs. Verrall has ordered an array of invalid ones: mutton-broth à l'eau, and boiled whiting au naturel," responded George, who appeared to have an answer ready for all dissentient propositions.
Janet interposed, looking and speaking very gravely. "George, it will be a great mark of disrespect to Mrs. Briscow, the lifelong friend of your father and your mother, not to be at home to sit at table with her the first day she is here. Only one thing could excuse your absence--urgent business. And, that, you have not to plead."
George answered tartly. He was weak from his recent illness, and like many others under the same circumstances, did not like being crossed in trifles. "Janet, you are unreasonable. As if it were necessary that I should break a promise, just for the purpose of dining with an old woman! There will be plenty of other days to dine with her. And I shall be at home this evening before you have risen from table."
"I beg you to speak of Mrs. Briscow with more respect, George. It cannot matter whether you dine at the Verralls' to-day or another day," persisted Janet. "I would not say a word against it, were it an engagement of consequence. You can go to the Folly any day."