Hilda said:
"I knew all the time there was something wrong."
And Edwin thought:
"No, you didn't. And if he hadn't happened to tell you about the thing, you'd have been convinced that you'd been alarming yourself for nothing."
But he only said, not certain of Hilda's humour, and anxious to placate her:
"There's no doubt George ought to be punished."
"Nothing of the kind! Nothing of the kind!" Ingpen vivaciously protested. "Why, bless my soul! The kids were engaged in a religious work. They were busy with someone far more important than any parents." And after a pause, reflectively: "Curious thing, the mentality of a child! I doubt if we understand anything about it."
Hilda smiled, but said naught.
"May I enquire what there is in that bottle?" Ingpen asked.
"Benedictine."