When Sidney chose, a certain aloof inflection of tone had the effect of a severe snub upon Austin. He instantly demanded very weakly:
"Please tell me what to talk about now," and then with laughter, they resumed their usual happy intercourse together.
The day after, Monica called for Sidney to drive into the nearest market town with her. Admiral Urquhart had a small trap, and a very fat lazy pony. Monica's cob was a fast one, and Sidney was always glad to go with her rather than drive herself. Friday was market day in Pegborough, and both of them liked to go there every week.
"Randolph has taken Chuckles off my hands for the day," Monica said. "I shall be glad when his holidays are over. He is rather a handful for poor Aunt Dannie, and I can't have him always with me."
"I wish you would send him up to me oftener. I adore him."
"Sidney, I'm going to ask a favour of you." Monica spoke abruptly, and a certain little frown appeared between her level eyebrows.
"Ask away; you know you will get it."
"Don't be rash. It's this. I want to know if you'll give Chuckles a little Sunday tuition on Sunday afternoons?"
If Sidney was surprised, she did not show it.
Monica flicked her cob a little nervously as she continued: