'Why not, for once? It needn't be later than half-past eleven.'
Nancy broke off and gesticulated. 'That's just why I want to go! I
should like to walk about all night, as lots of people will. The
public-houses are going to be kept open till two o'clock.'

'Do you want to go into public-houses?' asked Jessica, laughing.

'Why not? I should like to. It's horrible to be tied up as we are;
we're not children. Why can't we go about as men do?'

'Won't your father make any objection?' asked Jessica.

'We shall take Horace with us. Your people wouldn't interfere, would
they?'

'I think not. Father is away in Yorkshire, and will be till the end
of the week. Poor mother has her rheumatism. The house is so
dreadfully damp. We ought never to have taken it. The difference of
rent will all go in doctors' bills.--I don't think mother would
mind; but I must be back before twelve, of course.'

'I don't see the "of course,"' Nancy returned impatiently, 'but we
could manage that. I'll speak to the Pasha to-night, and either
come, or let you have a note, to-morrow morning. If there's any
objection, I'm not sure that I shan't make it the opportunity for
setting up my standard of revolt. But I don't like to do that whilst
the Pasha is out of sorts--it might make him worse.'

'You could reason with him quietly.'