‘He introduced me: it was his secretary. Such a handsome girl. I think she tried to snub me, but we poor parsons are unsnubbable. She told me that she quite agreed with Mr Keeling.’
‘His typewriter dared to say that!’ hissed Alice. ‘Oh——’
‘Then he began dictating to her something about linoleums. But I’ve not done with him yet. The dear man! I’ll plague his life out for him if you’ll only help me.’
A pink lustre clock of horrible aspect suddenly chimed six, and he jumped up.
‘Evensong at half-past!’ he said. ‘Blow evensong! There!’
He picked up his crook.
‘I’ve got to get hold of all you dear people, he said, grasping Alice’s long lean fingers in one hand, and Mrs Keeling’s plump ones in the other and, kissing them both. ‘What an hour of refreshment I have had. Blessings! Blessings!’
He ran lightly across the room, kissed his hand at the door, and they heard him running across the drawing room.
‘Blow evensong!’ said Alice ecstatically. ‘Wasn’t that delicious of him. And the Pope, too; the thin end of the Pope. But how could father be so rude as to begin dictating about linoleum?’
‘Your father doesn’t like working hours interfered with, my dear,’ said Mrs Keeling. ‘But we’ll do what we can. Anyhow, Mr Silverdale will have to change before he goes to church.’