I was on my way to the door. I stopped and turned.
“Is the—the what is it—'Slazenger' so much better?” I asked.
“Oh, very much so, sir. Infinitely better, sir. Here it is; judge for yourself. The very best racket made. And only thirty-two shillings, sir.”
It was a better racket, much better. And, after all, when one is hanging principle the execution may as well be complete.
“You may give me that one instead of the other,” I said, and paid the difference.
On my arrival at the rectory Hephzy met me at the door. The between-maid took the packages from the trap. I entered the drawing-room and Hephzy followed me. She looked very grave.
“Frances is here, I suppose,” I said.
“Yes, she came an hour ago. Doctor Bayliss, the younger one, brought her in his auto. She hardly spoke to me, Hosy, and went straight to her room. Hosy, what happened? What is the matter?”
“Nothing,” said I, curtly. “Nothing unusual, that is. I made a fool of myself once more, that's all.”
The between-maid knocked and entered. “Where would you wish the parcels, sir?” she asked.