‘You did—considerably.’
‘It all came from my having the needle in my hand at the time—and you looked so solemn—and—well, I couldn’t help it.’
‘Little wretch—!’
‘No, dear; Jemima may come in any moment with the coffee. Now, do sit down and read about Mr. Pepys to me. And first of all, would you mind explaining all about the gentleman, from the beginning, and taking nothing for granted, just as if I had never heard of him before.’
‘I don’t believe—’
‘Never mind, sir! Be a good boy and do exactly what you are told. Now begin!’
‘Well, Maude, Mr. Pepys was born—’
‘What was his first name?’
‘Samuel.’
‘Oh dear, I’m sure I should not have liked him.’