“Indeed, yes!” exclaimed Mrs. North. The allusion to the margarine factory had made her hot all over. “What perfectly hateful people! He did nothing but talk, and she did nothing but eat!”
Lady Condor arose briskly from her chair, scattering West Highlanders around her.
“Where is Roger?” she demanded. “I am going to be really clever if I can only concentrate sufficiently to say what I mean. Don’t distract my thoughts, any of you! But I must have Roger! He is the only really brainy one among us—at least, I mean he is the only one who’s used his brains. I have naturally a very good brain, but it is rusty from want of use. All our brains are rusty. But what is it I want? Oh yes—Roger. In his study, my dear? Let us all go—yes. Where are my glasses, and my gloves? Please put them in your pocket until I go, Arthur. I cannot afford to lose them as I used to do. Down, children! down!”
She took Mrs. North’s arm, and with Mr. Fothersley on her other hand and the dogs in full chorus, started across the lawn toward the house.
“Well played, Violet! well played! The child’s as good as ever at it. But where were we going? Oh yes—I must have Roger. We will surprise him through the window. He will be very cross, but he won’t say anything because it’s me. Ah—but there he is——”
North’s long figure came out into the sunlight, and as he approached the group he had much the air of a big schoolboy who had been playing truant.
“I apologize profusely,” he said. “My intentions were of the very best. I intended to come out to tea, but I happened on Mr. Pithey in the hall, where he was endeavouring to purchase Mansfield——”
There was a chorus of exclamations.
“Well, he was asking Mansfield to recommend him a good butler for a gentleman’s establishment. Salary no object, if man satisfactory. I confess I ran away. Lady Condor, if you will drink another cup of tea I should love to fetch it for you, but it is plainly not my fault if you will encourage my wife to entertain these people.”
“You would never entertain anybody if you had your own way,” said his wife.