She was evidently startled to see him, but she tried to conceal it. "May I ask what you want?" she said brusquely.
Mr. Amberley wasted no time on delicate euphemisms. "I want to get rid of a damned nuisance," he said. "I've brought your brother home. He's extraordinarily drunk."
"Oh, my God, again!." she said wearily. "All right, I'll come." She glanced up at him. "Decent of you to bother. Thanks."
"Stay where you are," said Amberley. "I'll fetch him." He went back to the car and opened the door. "Your sister's waiting for you."
Mark allowed himself to be assisted out of the car. "I didn't say anything I shouldn't, did I?" he said anxiously. "You'll tell her I didn't."
"All right." Amberley guided his erratic steps up the path.
Shirley looked him over. "Oh! You'd better go and sleep it off," she said. She took his arm and nodded to Amberley. "Thanks. Goodbye."
"I'm coming in," said Amberley.
"No, thanks. I can manage him."
"Nevertheless, I am coming in," he repeated. He put her aside without ceremony, and guided Mark into the house and up the narrow stairs. "Which room?" he said over his shoulder.