There was a step in the hall, the sound of a stick being thrust carelessly into a stand, and, directly after, Rolph tramped into the room.
“Ah, Madge,” he said, in a careless, easy way; and, ignoring the smile of welcome with which she greeted him, he walked across to his mother’s chair.
“Well,” he said, “how is the head?” and he stooped down and kissed her brow.
“Not at all well, my dear,” she said affectionately. “I think I will go up to my room.”
“Have a drive, dear; I’ll order the tandem out.”
“No, no, my dear, I shall be better soon.”
She rose, kissed him, and left the room.
“Dodge to leave Madge and me together,” muttered the young man. “All right. Bring things to a climax.”
“How very little we see of you, Robert,” said Madge softly. “So much training?”
“Health. Shows how wise I have grown. I’m like pepper; a little of me is very nice—too much an abomination.”