“There’s no ‘name inadvertently omitted’ about it, though,” said the literal Charlie.
“All the same,” said Archie, “it’s near enough to give Grace no end of a reputation with the Society of Psychical Research.”
“The Society of Sikey—what?” said Grace. “Mustn’t it hurt you, Archie, to be so clever?”
The apparition of the butler, however, restored the tone to the proceedings.
“I think, Jennings,” said the Rector, “that there should be just two bottles of that champagne left in the third bin. Will you please bring it up.”
“Miss Laura had it yesterday, sir,” said Jennings.
“Miss Laura had it yesterday, sir,” said the Rector, with the majesty of an archbishop. “But pray, sir, will you have the goodness to explain what Miss Laura has to do with it?”
“Miss Laura came to me yesterday, sir,” said Jennings apprehensively, “and told me to give her the two remaining bottles. She said that she would take all the responsibility, sir.”
“Quite right, Jennings,” said Grace, with a courageous promptitude that I am afraid commanded the admiration of us all. “I did say I would take all the responsibility. You see it’s like this, Father. I couldn’t give a lot of common grocery to a set of county men, two of ’em going out with Stoddy, could I?”
“There was only one of ’em going out with Stoddy yesterday, though,” said her enemy of Harrow.