Marjorie never knew whether it was a moment or an age before her father
came upon them. He had decided to take a turn in the garden when Magnet
could no longer restrain himself from joining the ladies, and he chanced
to be stick in hand because that was his habit after twilight. So it was
he found them. She heard his voice falling through love and moonlight
like something that comes out of an immense distance.
"Good God!" he cried, "what next!"
But he still hadn't realized the worst.
"Daffy," he said, "what in the name of goodness----?"
Marjorie put her hands before her face too late.
"Good Lord!" he cried with a rising inflection, "it's Madge!"