'What is the matter, Olive?'
But it was some time before he could get an answer. At last she said:
'I had an unpleasant scene with the Major this morning.'
'I am glad it is no more than that,' and Lord Chadwick threw himself into an arm-chair. 'What further eccentricity has he been guilty of? Does he want to sweep the crossing, or to wait at table in the crossing-sweeper's clothes?' 'He has bought an old overcoat from the butler.'
'And wants to wear it at lunch?'
'No; he's got a new suit. I insisted on that. It came home last night. He had to give way, for I told him that if he would come down to lunch he must come decently dressed, otherwise he would do Agnes a great deal of harm.'
'But you couldn't persuade him to stick to his type-writing, and keep out of the way?'
'No, and I thought it better not to try. Agnes' return home has excited him dreadfully, and he fancies that it is his duty to watch over her—to protect her from my friends.'
'Then I suppose we shall never get rid of him. He'll be here all day, night and day. Good Heavens!'
'I don't say that. I hope that this new idea of his is only a freak. He will soon tire of his task of censor of morals. Meanwhile, we are to be most guarded in our conversation. And as for you——'