"If I had gone to Grandmother and asked her if I might meet you,--and just think of my having to do that,--she would have been utterly scandalized.

Now, having done this perfectly dreadful thing without permission, I shall be hauled up on two charges,--deceit and unbecoming behavior,--and I shall be punished." The boy wheeled around in amazement.

"You don't mean that ?" "Of course I mean it.

Haven't I told you over and over again that these two dear but irritating old people look down at me from their awful pile of years and only see me as a child ?" "But what will they do to you ?" Joan shrugged her shoulders.

"Anything they like.