"The fact is, there's been a mistake: a painful mistake. At least," said Cai, growing more and more nervous under Mrs Bosenna's gaze of calm inquiry, "it would be painful, if it weren't so absurd." He forced a laugh.
"Don't make noises like that," commanded 'Bias. "Get it over."
"It's about those letters, ma'am."
"Letters?" Mrs Bosenna opened her dark eyes wide; and turned them interrogatively upon Dinah. "Letters?"
"Letters?" repeated Dinah, taking her cue.
Relief broke like a sun-burst over Cai's face. "But perhaps you don't read your letters, ma'am, until after breakfast? And, if so, we're in time."
"What letters?" asked Mrs Bosenna.
"They've surely been delivered, ma'am? In fact we met the postman coming from the house."
"Dear me—and did he tell you he had been deliverin' letters here?"
"No—he was on his round, and we took it for granted. Besides, we know they were posted in time."