"I'm sorry, Theo. Are you very cross with me?"
Her lips quivered a little, and the pallor of her face caught at his heart.
"No, no. We won't make mountains out of molehills, eh, Ladybird? Kiss and be friends! like a good child, and get to bed as fast as possible. Mackay will be here soon, and you'll be best out of the way."
He drew her down and kissed her forehead. Then, as she slipped silently away through his study, and on into the bedroom beyond, he lay back with a sigh in which relief and weariness were oddly mingled. He was devoutly thankful when the arrival of James Mackay dispelled his disturbing train of thought.
[13] Dusters.
[14] Washerman.
[15] Has come on a horse.
[16] Well done.
[17] Has come.