'Timing her,' he said. 'Sh—sh—don't talk. I can't keep count if you talk.'
She became breathlessly quiet and expectant. She listened anxiously for the sound of footsteps. She did hope Lizzie would come in time. Lizzie was so nice,—it would be dreadful if she got a scolding. Why didn't she come? There—what was that? A door going somewhere. Would she do it? Would she?
Running steps came along the passage outside. Wemyss put his watch away. 'Five seconds to spare,' he said. 'That's the way to teach them to answer bells,' he added with satisfaction.
'Did you ring, sir?' inquired Lizzie, opening the door.
'Why is tea late?'
'It's in the library, sir.'
'Kindly attend to my question. I asked why tea was late.'
'It wasn't late to begin with, sir,' said Lizzie.
'Be so good as to make yourself clear.'
Lizzie, who had felt quite clear, here became befogged. She did her best, however. 'It's got late through waiting to be 'ad, sir,' she said.