Dick could not help him, nor was he at that time concerned by the failure of his father's memory. He was engaged in realising that here was another enemy for Stella. Knowing his father, he was not greatly surprised, but he thought it prudent to attack without delay.
"Stella will be coming over to tea this afternoon," he said.
"Will she, Richard?" the father replied, twisting uncomfortably in his chair. "Very well—of course."
"Hubbard knows of my engagement, by the way," Dick continued implacably.
"Hubbard! God bless my soul!" cried the old man. "It'll be all over the village already."
"I shouldn't wonder," replied Dick cheerfully. "I told him before I saw you this morning, whilst I was having breakfast."
Mr. Hazlewood remained silent for a while. Then he burst out petulantly:
"Richard, there's something I must speak to you seriously about: the lateness of your hours in the morning. I have noticed it with great regret. It is not considerate to the servants and it cannot be healthy for you. Such indolence too must be enervating to your mind."
Dick forbore to remind his father that he was usually out of the house before seven.
"Father," he said, at once a very model of humility, "I will endeavour to reform."