"Steam-launch."
"Haven't heard a word of it."
"Mr. Carden-Cox. Excursion up the river for lunch and fun. All of you invited. You must come, old fellow."
Malcolm Elvey was a business-like individual, and his friends learnt brevity in dealing with him.
"What time?"
"Start at a quarter to twelve, and back before dark."
"I don't mind if I do. Yes, I think I can. I've had a racking headache for two days, and that might rid me of it."
"And the rest of you?"
"I wish you may get my father—no hope, I'm afraid. Ethel, yes—you must insist upon that. She has so little pleasure. Most likely the note is there, not opened. I can't go back with you, but you'll find Ethel."
"Mind you are at the bottom of Mr. Carden-Cox's garden—11.40 sharp!"