'As many hours, if your ladyship pleases,' said Hammond. 'My time is entirely at your service.'
'Oh, no, you will want to be roaming about the hills with Mary, discussing your plans for the future. I shall not encroach too much on your time. But I am very glad you are here.'
'We shall only trespass on you for a few days,' said Maulevrier, 'just a flying visit.'
'How is it that you are not both at Henley?' asked Mary. 'I thought all the world was at Henley.'
'Who is Henley? what is Henley?' demanded Maulevrier, pretending ignorance.
'I believe Maulevrier has lost so much money backing his college boat on previous occasions that he is glad to run away from the regatta this year,' said Hammond.
'I have a sister there,' replied his friend. 'That's an all-sufficient explanation. When a fellow's women-kind take to going to races and regattas it is high time for him to stop away.'
'Have you seen Lesbia lately?' asked his grandmother.
'About ten days ago.'
'And did she seem happy?'