“What!” cried Roberta.
“It’s quite right,” said Patch. “Henry’s to be called the Earl of Rune now. Isn’t he, Daddy?”
“Good God!” said Henry slowly. “So I am.”
“Yes,” said Patch with a certain complacency; “you are. And I, for instance, am now the Lady Patricia Lamprey. Aren’t I, Daddy?”
“Shut up, Patch,” said Colin.
“Yes, yes,” said Lord Charles hurriedly. “Never mind about it now, Patch.”
“And Daddy,” Patch persisted stubbornly, “you’re now—”
The drawing-room door opened. Alleyn stood on the threshold with Fox behind him.
“May I come in, Lord Wutherwood?” asked Alleyn.