'Why is tea in the library?' Wemyss asked.
'I understood, sir, tea was always to be in the library,' said Chesterton.
'That was while I was by myself. I suppose it wouldn't have occurred to you to inquire whether I still wished it there now that I am not by myself.'
This floored Chesterton. Her ignorance of the right answer was complete. She therefore said nothing, and merely stood.
But he didn't let her off. 'Would it?' he asked suddenly.
'No sir,' she said, dimly feeling that 'Yes sir' would land her in difficulties.
'No. Quite so. It wouldn't. Well, you will now go and fetch that tea and bring it up here. Stop a minute, stop a minute—don't be in such a hurry, please. How long has it been made?'
'Since half-past four, sir.'
'Then you will make fresh tea, and you will make fresh toast, and you will cut fresh bread and butter.'
'Yes sir.'