"Dumb friends are very comforting, aren't they? Sort of understand. Is Jeanie coming to Winchley Station?"
"No, I think it is rather hard on Jeanie Lewis going like that. You'll stay for the breakfast to-morrow of course, Toney, and we'll give them a good send off."
Toney shook herself and hugged Trick closer.
"Yes, we'll finish up the romance properly. I've got heaps to do so I shan't have a minute till I go off to Winchley. I think to-morrow I shall go to London to see Mr. Staines on business."
"Poor Toney! you are hard worked. I hear the Stone House has been begun. You will let me help you still more, won't you? I am so happy."
Maud went off singing an air out of Il Trovatore.
"Well, gracious stars, she is one in a thousand," murmured Toney, "and I'm a horrid wretch to mind his going when she takes it so grandly!"
She stumbled over Sir Evas.
"Oh, Uncle Evas, it is nice to have you. We are good comrades, aren't we, always have been?"
"Yes, of course, but I'm afraid that means you want something more of this poor, overworked man." He looked supremely contented however.