"I think it will be a fine day, Esther." He took out his best suit of clothes, and selected a handsome silk scarf for the occasion. Esther was a heavy sleeper, and she lay close to the wall, curled up. Taking no notice of her, William went on dressing; then he said—
"Now then, Esther, get up. Teddy will be here presently to pack up my clothes."
"Is it time to get up?"
"Yes, I should think it was. For God's sake, get up."
She had a new dress for the Derby. It had been bought in Tottenham Court Road, and had only come home last night. A real summer dress! A lilac pattern on a white ground, the sleeves and throat and the white hat tastefully trimmed with lilac and white lace; a nice sunshade to match. At that moment a knock came at the door.
"All right, Teddy, wait a moment, my wife's not dressed yet. Do make haste, Esther."
Esther stepped into the skirt so as not to ruffle her hair, and she was buttoning the bodice when little Mr. Blamy entered.
"Sorry to disturb you, ma'am, but there isn't no time to lose if the governor don't want to lose his place on the 'ill."
"Now then, Teddy, make haste, get the toggery out; don't stand there talking."
The little man spread the Gladstone bag upon the floor and took a suit of checks from the chest of drawers, each square of black and white nearly as large as a sixpence.