A few years ago Master Derek Rayner would have greeted this announcement with some exceedingly witty and caustic comments. Now he merely murmured reverentially:—
"I expect you will make a ripping little chauffeur."
"I shouldn't wonder," agreed Dumps complacently. "Where are you going?"
"Oh, just for a ride," said Derek. "Are your people quite well?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Tell Mrs. Mablethorpe I was asking for her, will you?"
"I will make a point of it," said the impervious Dumps. Then, relenting slightly, she enquired: "Are you going to tennis at Oatlands on Thursday?"
"Yes," said Derek eagerly. "Would you mind being my partner in the mixed doubles?"
"Is that a sudden inspiration?" asked Dumps.
"No, really. I have been meaning to ask you for weeks. That's why I rode over here this afternoon," blurted out Derek.