Edith laughed.
'My father,' he went on, 'used sometimes to say at night. "Now it's time for Bedfordshire," but I wasn't amused at that after ten years old. My family are really very serious as a whole. I should never dream of asking them even a riddle, because I'm sure they would give it up at once.'
'Did you say you heard one joke recently? What was it?' asked Edith.
Raggett blushed and looked down.
'I'm very sorry, but I'm afraid I can't tell you, Mrs Ottley. Not that I forget it, but it isn't suited to your—well, to your atmosphere'—he looked round the room.
'Oh! Can't you arrange it?'
'Impossible,' he said firmly. 'Quite impossible.'
'Oh well, of course—'
'Impossible,' he repeated, shaking his head.
'Do you go much to the theatre?' she asked conversationally.