Sir Anthony, pausing in the doorway, had a moment’s opportunity to admire a pretty picture. Then Robin looked round, and pulled a face. “Lord, Prue! The mountain.”
Prudence turned, and brought her foot down to the floor. “Give you good-day, sir,” she said.
Robin became impish. “Faith, the world’s full of curiosity!” he remarked. “Even the phlegmatic mammoth must needs come to visit us today.”
Prudence held up a finger. “Treat the gentleman with respect, child. I perceive he frowns on you.”
Robin sighed. “Alack, I could never succeed in captivating the mammoth,” he mourned. “I doubt I’m too flighty for a sober man’s taste.”
Sir Anthony put down his hat, and smiled placidly. “Quite right, Robin.” He looked keenly under heavy eyelids. “So you chanced to come upon Letty in this fresh trouble last night?”
“A most fortunate occurrence,” nodded Robin. “We were on our way back from Barnet.”
“Were you so?” Sir Anthony was all polite interest. “Fortunate, indeed!” He looked across the room at Prudence, tranquilly regarding him. “Do you credit me with any wits or bone?” he asked.
Prudence smiled. “Now how am I to answer that?”
“I beg you won’t flatter me,” said Sir Anthony sardonically.