Mathilda could not recall having made such a statement, but she was glad that Roydon, who, so short a time since, had been in despair over Nathaniel's refusal to back his play, had recovered his optimism, and she cordially applauded his decision. Edgar Mottisfont then came in, saying that he hoped he hadn't been keeping everyone waiting, and was chatty, in a determined way, until Joseph asked him if he had seen Nat or Stephen. This seemed to bring the memory of his interview with Nathaniel unpleasantly to mind, and he said No, he hadn't seen either of them, and relapsed into a depressed silence.
Stephen lounged in a few minutes later, similarly taciturn, and everybody glanced at the clock, and wished that Nathaniel would hurry up.
At half-past eight, Sturry appeared to announce dinner, saw that his master was not present, and went away again, looking affronted. Joseph said hopefully that he was sure Nat would be down in a minute, but when ten minutes had elapsed, he said that Nat must have forgotten the time, and suggested to Stephen that he should go upstairs to fetch his uncle down.
Stephen was pouring himself out another glass of sherry, and replied with his customary brusqueness that if Joe was so anxious for Nat's presence he had better go and fetch him for himself.
"Come, come, Stephen!" said Mottisfont. "Not very civil of you, eh, my boy?"
"Oh, I don't pay any heed to that old bear of a nephew of mine!" Joseph said sunnily. "Stephen and I understand one another. Paula dear, suppose you were just to run up, and tap on your uncle's door?"
"No, thank you!" Paula said, with an angry little laugh. "I've already tried that, because I wanted to speak to him, but he wouldn't even answer."
Stephen grinned. "No flies on Uncle Nat. Let's go in to dinner."
Valerie looked as though Nathaniel's absence from his board would be a relief to her, but said: "Oh, but we can't, without Mr. Herriard, can we?"
"What a nice sense of convention you have, my pretty!" said Stephen.