Drake caught a look of reproof which Mr.Le Mesurier directed towards her, and set it down to his host's courtesy towards his guest.

Clarice, however, noticed the look too.
'Indeed,' she said.

'Tell us about it, Mr.Drake.It will be a change from our usual frock-coat conversation.' Mr.Le Mesurier imposed the interdict of paternal authority.
'I think, my dear, stories of that class are, as a rule, a trifle crude.
Eh, Drake ?' Miss Le Mesurier on the instant became personified submission.
'Of course, papa,' she said, 'if you have reason for believing the story isn't suitable, I wouldn't think of asking Mr.Drake to tell it.' Mr.Le Mesurier raised his hands in a gesture of despair, and looked again at Mrs.Willoughby.His glance said, unmistakably, 'Now see what you've done!' Fielding broke into an open laugh; and Clarice haughtily asked him to explain the joke, so that the others present might share in his amusement.
'I will,' said Fielding.

'In fact, I meant you to ask me to.

I laughed, because I notice that whenever you are particularly obedient to Papa, then you are particularly resolved to have your own way.' Miss Le Mesurier's foot tapped under the table.
'Of course,' she said, with a withering shrug of her shoulders, 'that's wit, Mr.Fielding.' Repartee was not her strong point.
'No,' he replied, 'merely rudeness.