"I don't want to deceive you, but it is you who have changed."
"Oh, I hope not!" she said heartily.
He laughed: she was teaching him to do that, and the friendly sound mingled with the loud summons of the gong.
She screwed up her eyes in merriment. "I really believe you are beginning to appreciate me," she said, and hand in hand they went across the hall.
"I am going to show Theresa the plans of the estate, Mother," he said, during the progress of the stately meal.
"Certainly, dear. You will like that, Theresa."
"I am not at all sure that I shall," she said clearly.
"Then don't worry her, Basil, if she doesn't want to see them."
"But I do! And if I didn't I would!"
"Well, don't get tired, dear. I'm afraid it will make your back ache."