Sir Maurice inclined his head.
"I hear you intend to honour Fittledean for some few weeks?" he said. An inward laugh seemed to shake him. "You must meet my son, Philip."
"Nothing could give me more pleasure," Bancroft assured him. "I shall hope to do so at once. I am transported to meet such old friends, and to find that one"—he bowed to Cleone—"had not forgot me."
"H'm!" said Sir Maurice cryptically. Suddenly he smiled upon the younger man. "I have ridden over to beg Mr. Charteris to honour me at dinner on Wednesday—"
"Delighted, delighted!" nodded Charteris, who had joined them.
"—with madam and Cleone. You'll come, my dear? I have already spoken to your mamma."
Cleone slipped her hand in his arm.
"Why, it's very kind of you, Sir Maurice. Thank you very much."
He patted the little hand. Then he again transferred his attention to Mr. Bancroft.
"I trust you too will honour us, sir?"