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 politely, "that I shall have to go to Drury Lane this afternoon."

"Have to go, Phil-ipp!" Still ampler grew the Governing Classes. "It is really impossible in the circumstances."

"What circumstances, Mater?"

"Dear Adela."

"She won't mind, if you explain. It's like this, you see. Teddy Clapham has taken a box for his kids, and I promised 'em I'd be there—and you can't go back on your word with kids, can you?"

"Why not, Phil-ipp?" inquired the Governing Classes.

"Sort of gives 'em wrong views about things, you know."

"How absurd," said Mother. "Much too sentimental about children nowadays. Telephone to Mr. Clapham and explain the circumstances. I am sure he will understand that as dear Adela is going to High Cliff on Wednesday—"

A cloud gathered on the brow of Philip.

"May be wrong, you know, Mater, but I really can't go back on my word with kids. I promised 'em, you know, and that little Marge is a nailer, and she is only five."

The statement, in spite of its sincerity, did not seem to carry conviction to either parent.