"Well, I was sorry to write it, sir, if you take my meaning. But there! Well, Mrs. Brill 'as expressed a wish for a few words with you, if you wouldn't mind."
"I shall be delighted, of course. But—may I see Gladys?"
"Why, yes, sir. Tea and bread and butter? The usual thing?"
"Yes, please. As usual." Mr. Brill lingered.
"Ave some watercress with it, sir," he added sympathetically, "or we've got some very nice little radishes. Ow about them?"
"No, thank you! I'm afraid they wouldn't be any use to me, Mr. Brill."
"Ha, ha! You will have your joke!"
Mr. Brill went in and told his wife that Mr. Vaughan was "sitting there looking that miserable it was enough to make one's heart ache."
With this satisfactory intelligence he sent Gladys into the garden.