Over her shoulder Guy saw that the guard was apparently punching the side of his head, and he said more loudly:
"I'm Mr. Hazlewood."
"I thought you were. I'm a little bit deaf after travelling, so you'll kindly speak slightly above the usual, Mr. Hazlewood."
"I hope you've had a comfortable journey," Guy shouted.
"Oh, yes, I think I shall," she said with what Guy fancied was meant to be an encouraging smile. "I hope you haven't lost any of my parcels, young man," she continued with a severe glance at the guard.
"Four and a stringbag. Is that right, mum?" he bellowed. "She's as deaf as an adder, Mr. Hazlewood," he explained confidentially. "We had a regular time getting of her into the bus before we found out she couldn't hear what was being said to her. Oh, very obstinate she was."
"This is the garden," Guy shouted, as they passed in through the gate.
"Yes, I daresay," Miss Peasey replied ambiguously.
Guy wondered how she would ever be got upstairs to her room.
"This is the hall," he shouted. "Rather unfurnished I'm afraid."