The parents made conversation at breakfast, but not much. It was kept mainly to material things relevant to the moment, such as:
"You packed all my thin shirts, didn't you?"
"Except the striped one, which has gone too far. I'll make it up for George."
"Have you written the labels?"
"No. I didn't know where to."
"All right. I'll do 'em. It's a jolly morning for a start, isn't it?"
"Yes. I'm so glad."
"I'll write and give you an address as soon as I can. I shall be able to find out to-day about mails, I expect. Yesterday I really didn't think of inquiring. 'Sides, I hadn't time. And I can tell you, I was all up a tree with excitement."
"Of course you were. It'll be a lovely holiday for you."
"Wish you could come too. Look after yourselves, won't you?"