"I'm afraid none of us feels quite in the mood for our usual Christmas service," said Joseph gently. "But you must go, of course, if you wish to, my dear."
"I always go to church on Christmas Day," replied Maud. "And on Sundays, too."
"One had not realised that there were still people who did!" said Roydon, with the air of one interested in the habits of aborigines.
This was felt to be an observation in such bad taste that Mathilda at once offered to accompany Maud, and Stephen - although not going to these lengths - ranged himself on Maud's side by telling the dramatist to shut up, and get on with his breakfast.
"Hush, Stephen!" said Joseph, yet with a sympathetic gleam in his eye.
"You shut up too!" said Stephen. "We've listened to enough nauseating twaddle to last us for a fortnight. In case it interests anyone, Uncle Nat's solicitor is coming down here by the eleven-fifteen from Waterloo. If Ledbury is fetching you from church, Aunt Maud, you'll have to drive on to pick Blyth up at the station afterwards."
Maud showed herself perfectly ready to fall in with this plan, but Mottisfont, who had been making only the barest pretence of eating, said with a good deal of meaning: "Very high-handed! Let us hope that someone is not in for a disappointment."
Stephen showed his admirable teeth in a singularly disagreeable smile. "Is that meant for me?"
Mottisfont shrugged. "Oh, if the cap fits -!"
"For heaven's sake, Edgar!" interposed Joseph. "Surely if anyone has the right to object to Stephen's taking charge of things it is I!"