“Good evening, Mr. Mawley, we want to see Sir James on important business,” said the Terror with a truly businesslike air.
Mawley had come to the Grange in the train of the Princess Elizabeth; and since he found the Deeping air uncommonly bracing, he had permitted Sir James to keep him on at the Grange after her return to Cassel-Nassau. He had made the acquaintance of the Twins during the last days of her stay, after the camp had been broken up, and had formed a high opinion of their ability and their manners. Moreover, of a very susceptible nature, he had a warm admiration of Mrs. Dangerfield whom he saw every Sunday at Little Deeping church.
None the less he looked at them doubtfully, and said in a reproachful tone: “It’s very late, Master Terror. You can’t expect Sir James to see people at this hour.”
“I know it’s late; but the business is important—very important,” said the Terror firmly.
Mawley hesitated. His admiration of Mrs. Dangerfield made him desirous of obliging her children. Then he said:
“If you’ll sit down a minute, I’ll tell Sir James that you’re here.”
“Thank you,” said the Terror; and he and Erebus came into the great hall, sat down on a couch covered by a large bearskin, and gazed round them at the arms and armor with appreciative eyes.
Mawley found Sir James lighting a big cigar; and told him that Master and Miss Dangerfield wished to see him on business.
“Oh? They’re the two children who wrote and asked me for leave to fish. But Hilton told me that they were the most mischievous little devils in the county, so I took no notice of their letter,” said Sir James.
“Well, being your steward, Sir James, Mr. Hilton would be bound to tell you so. But it’s my belief that, having the name for it, a lot of mischief is put down to them which they never do. And after all they’re Dangerfields, Sir James; and you couldn’t expect them to behave like ordinary children,” said Mawley in the tone and manner of a persuasive diplomat.