She paused at the foot of the stairs.
“How long has he been out, Jones?”
“Since two o'clock, madam. It is now half-past four.”
“There will be five or six in for tea, Jones. You may serve it in Mr Brood's study.”
“Yes, madam.”
A look of surprise flitted across the butler's impassive face. For a moment he had doubted his hearing.
“And ask Ranjab to put away Mr Brood's writing materials and reference-books.”
“I shall attend to it myself, madam. Ranjab went out with Mr Brood.”
“Went out!” exclaimed Yvonne.
Frederic turned upon the butler.