“Quite sure,” said he, hanging to the door, “quite sure you won’t all come—and walk on air—and—sing?”

He shook his head sadly:

“Will no one come with me to see the almonds bloom?” said he; and fell through the doorway with a clatter, his feet inside.

Pangbutt hurried after him:

“A moment,” said he, as he passed Lovegood. “I’ll see him out. My guests do not require a host.”

Lovegood smiled grimly:

“No,” said he—“they are a host in themselves.”

The door closed on Pangbutt.

A titter went round the room.

Emma Hartroff sat up suddenly on the sofa: