"Oho!"
"Yes, 'oho' as much as you like, but it is all rot your living here, and she hates it, and it's unpleasant all round. Besides the country is really lovely now, and I miss you."
"Do you, Tommy dear?"
"I do."
"Did mother send you?"
"No. She said you wouldn't come if she did, but that you might if I—if I——"
"If you exerted your authority as Head of the Family!"
"Well, yes." Tommy, now completely shamefaced, took more jam and handed back his cup.
"She is funny," mused Brigit. "To have so little sense of humour."
"That's what I told her. But Aunt Emily says people are talking about your living alone, etc. And—besides, I think she is really rather fond of you, Bick."