Presently I heard her in strident-voiced conversation with the Professor. I could not hear what they said, but they appeared to be very much in earnest.
Dimbie came out smiling.
"One is seated on the back kitchen table, and the other is working away at the sink with the bamboo. It seems a nasty job, but they appear to be very happy."
"Which is doing the work?"
"Amelia. The Professor wanted to, but she snatched the implement from him."
"Well, are we to be down with typhoid, or is there any chance of our escaping?"
Dimbie sat down.
"He doesn't know yet, but he is hoping for the best. He's a queer old cock, but I like him immensely."
"So do I," I agreed. "I wish Nanty would come."
It very rarely happens that one's wishes are instantly granted, but in this particular case my fairy godmother was in a generous mood, for as I spoke Nanty's carriage drew up at the gate, and she swept down the path and across the lawn just as the Professor emerged from the house brandishing in his right hand the drain-bamboo.