Stella turned away hurriedly, and stared out of the window, biting her lip. Even Miss Matthews stopped sniffing, and permitted herself to indulge in a somewhat sour smile. Mrs Matthews begged Randall to remember that he stood in a house of mourning, to which Randall replied: “My dear aunt, have you no message of cheer to give us, no elevating thought to carry us through this sad day?”
“Is nothing sacred to you, Randall?” asked Mrs Matthews tragically.
“Certainly,” he replied. “My personal appearance is quite sacred to me. I am shocked at being asked such a question. Surely you must have realised that so perfect a result could not be attained without solemn prayer?”
Stella gave a gasp “Randall!” she said in a choking voice.
“You are an ass!” remarked Guy.
“You wrong me, little cousin. Dear Aunt Zoë, do not look so outraged! I have come especially to compliment you on your Message to the Public. It was only equalled by pretty, blue-eyed Rose Daventry's affecting words.” His mocking glance fell on Miss Matthews. “Aunt Harriet, I must warn you that I have every intention of staying to tea. I am aware that there will not be enough cake to go round, but I am hoping that neither you nor my poor dear Aunt Zoë will have the heart to eat anything. I am going upstairs to wash my hands now, and that will give you all time to think out a crushing reply to me.” He opened the door as he spoke, and with an encouraging smile bestowed on both his aunts, walked out of the room.
He left behind him an atmosphere tense with hostility. His aunts joined in condemning his manners, morals, and total lack of proper feeling; Guy said that what he chiefly objected to was the damned side the fellow put on; and Stella sat and frowned at the shut door. Observing this, Guy said: “What's eating you, sister? I thought you were glad to see the little ray of sunshine?”
“I don't mind him,” said Stella impatiently. “In fact, I'm grateful to him for creating a diversion. But I don't believe his hands wanted washing.”
“What on earth are you drivelling about?” demanded Guy.
Stella looked at him for a moment, and then said curtly: “Oh, nothing!” and got up, and went quickly out of the room, and ran upstairs.