"Whoever's called. Shall we knock the balls about a bit?"
They began a mild game of croquet. But after a few minutes Hilda burst out sharply:
"You aren't playing your best, Mr. Hesketh. I wish you would."
He was startled by her eyes and her tone.
"Honest Injun! I am," he fibbed in answer. "But I'll try to do better. You must remember croquet isn't my game. Alicia floors me at it five times out of six."
Then the parlourmaid and another maid came out to lay tea on two tables under the ilex.
"Bowley," said Harry over his shoulder. "Bring me a telegraph-form next time you come out, will you?"
"Yes, sir," said the parlourmaid.
Hilda protested:
"No, Mr. Hesketh! Really! I assure you--"