"A philosopher," said Alicia drily.
"Tuppy complains bitterly about the unreasonableness of a world that expects cantatas from the roll in which generations of Tuppings have been punching comic songs. You'll like Tuppy."
"In spite of his mission?" she smiled.
"To cut me out?" The Duke shook his head tolerantly.
"Poor old chap, he recognizes the hopelessness of that. No; Tuppy is not that kind. I say!" he said enthusiastically. "There's Tuppy in his garden."
"Monty!" said a voice.
"That's him," said the Duke ungrammatically, but with an air of proprietorship.
"Monty!" said the voice again, "give me a leg up, dear boy—I'm comin' over for a cocktail."
Miss Alicia Terrill raised her eyebrows.
"He means a cup of tea," said the Duke hastily.