"Let me borrow some of it, then?" She asked with her most winsome grin, and another little twirl of the parasol that came frighteningly close to his left eye.

"You're not going to actually join them, are you?" He knew his sister better than that, really; knew that despite all appearances she was terribly practical about serious matters, but he could not help asking.

"Of course not, silly! The girls will appreciate the gift, is all, and a good gift always helps open negotiations properly."

(More! More! More!)