But she answered it with serenity. "Yes, I am quite pleased to see you, Charlie. I have been half-expecting you all day."
"Really!" he said.
She bent her head. "Ever since I heard of your return to the Castle. It was kind of you to come round so soon. And we want to thank you--Jake and I--for letting us use the stables till the new ones at Graydown are leady."
"Really!" Saltash said again. He added, "As half are already demolished and the other half will be pulled down as soon as the Stud goes, it was not much of a favour to grant. Do I understand that Jake is to continue in command under the new regime?"
She smiled again as she answered, "In absolute command."
He frowned momentarily. "A fortunate thing for Jake!"
"He thinks so too," she said.
He began to finger his cigarette case. "Do you mind if I smoke?"
"Not in the least." She raised her eyes suddenly and fully to his. "Please remember that you are in the house of friends!" she said, with a slight emphasis on the last word.
"You amaze me!" said Saltash.