"Well--I thought it would be better not, certainly."
"You're a deep soul," she said. "I never even guessed that you knew anything."
"Why should you? And I don't know anything. Can't we talk about something else?" he asked plaintively.
It was getting on his nerves, this constant conversation about Esther.
"So you'll come along to-morrow, eh?" he asked presently. "It's a long time since we went for a little jaunt together."
"I shall love it." But June answered absently; her thoughts were still with Esther.
Silence fell. Micky had finished his tipsy cake and was leaning back in his chair, a cigarette hanging dejectedly between his lips. He had lit it, but it had gone out, and though matches stood beside him he made no effort to light it again.
June watched him across the table. He didn't look a bit well, she thought. What was the matter with him?
"You know, Micky," she said impulsively, "I had quite made up my mind that you and Esther were to fall in love with one another. It would have been ideal, wouldn't it?" she asked wickedly.
A little spasm crossed Micky's face, but it was gone so quickly June could never be quite sure if she had not imagined it.
"I'll let you know about to-morrow," June said, as they parted. "I shall have to wear the same old purple frock I wore when you took me out last time; you won't mind?"
"Not a bit, as long as you come; and ... let me know about Miss Shepstone. If she won't come I'll give the ticket away."
She walked home deep in thought. So Micky had known all along? She was not quite sure that she was pleased with him for keeping the fact from her. They had been such pals, he and she; surely he might have trusted her and told her!
"I suppose I'm not to be trusted with a secret, though," she thought with a comical sigh. "Look how easily I gave Esther's away!"
Tea was ready when she got in, and Esther and Charlie sat curled up together in the firelight.
"I've got an invitation for us both to-morrow night," June said, even as she opened the door.
Esther looked up eagerly; she had had rather a dull day of it.
"A theatre," said June. "It's from Micky. I tell you at once, so you shan't throw cold water on it. He's got some seats for a first night, and asks us both to go. What do you say?"