"Why?" enquired Mrs. Banks at once.
"You are not looking very well," interposed Mr. Welwyn rashly.
"I'm eighty-one," retorted the old lady with great spirit, "and as 'earty as ever I was, Welwyn. I shall 'ave my tea in 'ere."
"We rather want this room this afternoon, dear," resumed Mrs. Welwyn gallantly. "Father has some people coming in on business."
"Is Father going to get a job of work to do?" riposted Grandma Banks, in tones of gratified surprise.
Mr. Welwyn blew his nose sheepishly, and the clock struck five. Tilly came forward and knelt by her grandmother's chair.
"It is very important for all of us, Granny," she pleaded, "that Father should have an undisturbed talk with these people; so we thought we would keep this room clear this afternoon. You don't want to be troubled with strangers, do you? Nasty, loud-voiced people."
"I likes people with loud voices," replied the old lady cantankerously. "I can 'ear what they says."
"But they're only going to talk business," urged Tilly. "Come along, there's a dear old Grandma. You'll be much more comfortable in your own room. There's a nice fire there, and I'll bring you in a lovely tea. Take my arm."
By this time Mrs. Banks had been raised to her feet, and now found herself being gently but inexorably propelled in the direction of the door.