I didn't mean it!" "Oh, shucks, dear fellow! Don't be such a silly ass! It's demoralising for all concerned." Lucas Errol's hand pressed his shoulder admonishingly.

"She's a nice little girl, Bertie.

I've taken a kind of fancy to her myself." Bertie looked up quickly.

"Luke, you're a brick!" Lucas shook his head.

"But you mustn't ask her yet, lad.