'Tea?' said Edith, holding out a cup.
'Yes, indeed! I'm always ready for tea, and you have such delightful tea, Edith dear!' (They had already reached the point of Christian names, though Edith always found Eglantine a little difficult to say.) 'It's nice to see you back so early, Mr Ottley.'
'Wouldn't you like a slice of lemon?' said Bruce.
To offer her a slice of lemon with tea was, from Bruce, a tribute to the lady's talents.
'Oh no! Cream and sugar, please.'
Madame Frabelle was looking very pleasant and very much at her ease as she sat down comfortably, taking the largest chair.
'I'm afraid that Archie has been bothering you today,' Edith said, as she poured out tea.
'What!' exclaimed Bruce, with a start of horror.
'Oh no, no, no! Not the least in the world, Mr Ottley! He's a most delightful boy. We were only having some fun together—about my mandolin; that was all!'
(Edith thought of the sounds she had heard on the stairs.)