"I take it you're a stenographer. Now tell me your name. I'll see about the tea." He had whipped out a note-book and pencil. "Hurry, I've got a cable to send."
Seeing that she was reluctant to give her name, he continued: "Never mind about your name. Be in the First Lord's room to-morrow at eleven o'clock; I'll see you there;" and with that he turned quickly, resumed his hat and retraced his steps.
Without knocking, he pushed open the door of Mr. Blair's room, walked swiftly across and opened the door leading to that of the First Lord.
"Here!" he cried, "where can I buy a pound of tea?"
If John Dene had asked where he could borrow an ichthyosaurus, Sir Lyster and Sir Bridgman could not have gazed at him with more astonishment.
"You can't," said Sir Bridgman, at length, his eyes twinkling as he watched the expression on Sir Lyster's face.
"Can't!" cried John Dene.
"Tea's rationed—two ounces a week," explained Sir Bridgman.
"Anyhow I've got to buy a pound of tea. I've just smashed up the teapot of a girl in the corridor."
"I'm afraid it's impossible," said Sir Lyster with quiet dignity.