“We shall measure your approval by the length of your visit. A fortnight, at least.”
Presently Fishpingle and Alfred approached to take away the tea. Lady Margot greeted the butler by name.
“How do you do, Mr. Fishpingle?”
“I am quite well, my lady, thank you.”
She smiled pleasantly at Alfred, who knew his place and remained impassive. Her cleverness in speaking to an old retainer delighted Sir Geoffrey. He glanced at his son, as if saying, “She’s the right sort, you see—a pleasant word for everybody.”
As the men-servants moved away, she said to Lionel:
“Your butler is a dear.”
“You remembered his name,” chuckled the Squire. “That pleased him. I could hear the old boy purring.”
“But who could forget his name? Where did he get it? Is it a local name?”
The Squire stiffened. Lady Margot perceived that she had been indiscreet. He answered formally: