"I did, sir."
Bill knew that he lied, but the point was not worth arguing.
"I have finished with your clothes, sir."
"Well, why disturb me about it."
"You said you were in a hurry, sir."
Pete gave the "sir" an annoying twist. Also, he had a way of fixing his gaze upon Mary, not boldly or offensively, but with a sort of mild persistence that had an even more irritating effect upon Bill Marshall.
"You said something about errands, sir, after I finished with your clothes," Pete reminded him.
"I'll talk to you about that later. You needn't wait."
But Pete lingered. The social secretary turned away and began examining a book that lay on a table. As she did so, Bill made a violent gesture to his valet. It was intended to convey a demand for instant exit, also a threat of events to come if it was not obeyed. Pete favored him with a wide smile and a wink. Mary moved across the room to examine a picture, bringing the valet again within her range of vision. The smile vanished instantly.