'Bruce, I wonder if you'd do me a very great favour? It really isn't difficult. I've allowed nurse to go out and Bennett is busy, and I wanted to fly over just for a minute or two to see Hyacinth. She telephoned to me. I shouldn't be gone more than twenty minutes.'
'Of course, go. Do go. I don't want you. I'm very busy.'
He took up the paper again.
'It isn't that; but would you very much mind looking after Archie while I'm gone? He'll be perfectly good. I'll give him his box of toys, and he'll sit in the corner over there and you'll never notice he's there till I'm back again.'
'Of course, of course. Surely I'm capable of looking after my own son.
Do go.'
'Yes, Bruce dear. And if he asks for anything just nod and smile and don't give it to him, and he'll be all right.'
'Oh, don't worry.'
As she was going out he called out—
'And I say, Edith, just give him a hint that I've got some rather important work to do, and he mustn't interrupt me by asking foolish questions.'
'Yes, oh yes. I'm so glad to think you're so sensible, and not ridiculously nervous of having to look after the child.'