"So she's left you in the lurch, my lord. That comes o trusting to a
Frenchman."
Piper chuckled.
"Muster Joy and the Gentleman! Must keep on a-chaffin. At it all day yesterday they was, atween scrimmages."
A gay voice came sailing back from the open.
"Ah, Reverend Father, good morning! Yes, you must excuse her for the moment. She has an engagement to keep round the corner to-morrow."
"To-morrow!" echoed Kit, aghast. "Piper! how long have I been asleep?"
"Why, sir, you've slept round the clock and a bit more. It's nigh noon of what was to-morrow when you turned in."
No wonder he was hungry; no wonder he was fresh; no wonder that sound of hammering, which had disturbed him as he passed from a half-swoon into sleep, seemed so far off.
"Wednesday! Then to-morrow's Thursday!" he cried, rushing into his clothes. "O Nelson!" and he raced up the ladder.
The loft was full of light, dazzling after the twilight of the kitchen.