“Seems to me, Governor, it takes age and judgment to play really good Auction.”
“Thank you, Arkwright. You have keen powers of observance.”
The clock chimed ten.
“Gracious,” said Mary, “I promised to help get the big marquee ready.” She flew off. Very shortly the breakfast party withdrew entirely, the ladies to the selection of appropriate raiment, the men who were playing, to get ready.
I was late getting down to the field and had no sooner arrived than up came Sir Charles.
“Fielding, Bill!” He guessed right. “Know you’re pleased!” he grinned.
“Of course—just what I expected! It’ll rain in the night.”
The first wicket put on a few runs and I was chatting to Robertson and Jack Considine while we were waiting for the next man.
“Good Lord,” I heard from behind me.
I turned.