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They hoped I didn't mind.
I wanted mamma to write, but she would come, said Dora, in her
hearty voice. I murmured polite mendacities and offered chairs.
Dora preferred to stand and gaze about her with feminine
curiosity. Women always seem to sniff for Bluebeardism in a
bachelor's apartment.
Why, what two beautiful rooms you have. And the books! There
isn't an inch of wallspace!
She went on a voyage of discovery round the shelves while my aunt
explained the object of their visit. Somebody, I forget who, had
lent them a yacht. They were making up a party for a summer
cruise in Norwegian fiords. The Thingummies and the So and So's
and Lord This and Miss That had promised to come, but they were
sadly in need of a man to play hostI was to fancy three lone
women at the mercy of the skipper. I did, and I didn't envy the
skipper. What more natural, gushed my aunt, than that they
should turn to me, the head of the house, in their difficulty?
I am afraid, my dear aunt, said I, that my acquaintance with
skipperterrorising hosts is nil. I can't suggest any one.
But who asked you to suggest any one? she laughed. It is you
yourself that we want to persuade to have pity on us.
I havemuch pity, said I, for if it's rough, you'll all be
horribly seasick.
Dora ran across the room from the bookcase she was inspecting.
I would like to shake him! He is only pretending he doesn't
understand. I don't know what we shall do if you won't come with
us.
You can't refuse, Marcus. It will be an ideal tripand such a
comfortable yachtand the deep blue fiordsand we've got a
French chef. You will be doing us such a favour.
Come, say 'Yes,' said Dora.
I wish she were not such a bouncing Juno of a girl. Large,
athletic women with hearty voices are difficult for one to deal
with. I am a match for my aunt, whom I can obfuscate with words.
But Dora doesn't understand my satire; she gives a great, healthy
laugh, and says, Oh, rot! which scatters my intellectual
armoury.
It is exceedingly kind of you to think of me, I said to my
aunt, and the proposal is temptingthe prospect is indeed
fascinatingbut
But what?
I have so many engagements, I answered feebly.
My Aunt Jessica rose, smiling indulgently upon me, as if I were a
spoilt little boy, and took me on to the balcony, while Dora
demurely retired to the bookshelves in the farther room.
Can't you manage to throw them aside? Poor Dora will be

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