The stranger's demeanour was unruffled.
"I see. And I am very glad. What I have to say does concern your brother quite as much as it concerns yourself."
"Fire away!" interrupted Roger. Curiosity is by no means a distinctively feminine weakness.
The occupant of the shabby brown suit removed his almost equally brown straw hat and laid it on the grass.
"It's hot, isn't it," he smiled. It was difficult to resist that smile. Judith invited him to be seated. And although she herself remained standing, he accepted the invitation with alacrity. She marked that against him, although his next remark appeased her somewhat.
"It's a long walk up from the station," he said, carefully removing the abundant perspiration from his craggy forehead. "Pretty road, though," he added.
Judith was content to let him take his own time. But Roger was more impatient.
"You have something to say to us?"
"Yes," he admitted, "I have."
"Well...?"