‘Generous girl, it can’t be.’
‘Why not, Amy?’
The return of Cosmo handling the telegram more pugnaciously than ever provides the answer.
‘Cosmo, show Miss Dunbar the telegram.’
Miss Dunbar reads: ‘Boat arrived Southampton this morning.’
‘A day earlier than they expected,’ Amy explains.
‘It’s the other bit I am worrying about,’ Cosmo says darkly. The other bit proves to be ‘Hope to reach our pets this afternoon. Kisses from both to all. Deliriously excited. Mummy and Dad.’
Now we see why Cosmo has been in distress.
‘Pets, kisses,’ he cries. ‘What can the telegraph people think.’
‘Surely,’ Amy says, ‘you want to kiss your mother.’