Charles withdrew, still grinning, and joined Alfred in the pantry, where he used encarmined language which provoked a rebuke from the middle-aged butler who had stepped into Fishpingle's shoes.
Sir Geoffrey eyed the odd man.
"What have you to say, my lad?"
"I ain't going to the wars, I ain't."
"Oh, you ain't going to the wars? Why not?"
"Because I'm quite satisfied with my place, sir."
"By the way, what's your name?"
"William Busketts."
"To be sure. Unmarried?"
"I'm walking out with Jemima Pavey, a very respectable young woman."