"Tea, uncle?"
"No, thank you, none of your cat-lap. I must see Ted himself. Where is he?"
"I'm not sure, but I think he's gone out."
Mrs. Rogers looked up from her tray, pleased to give valuable information.
"Mr. 'Aviland is in 'is bedroom, m'm; I 'eard 'im as I come up."
"Oh, I'll go and tell him then."
She found Ted dressing himself carefully before calling on Audrey. She wasted five minutes in trying to persuade him to see his uncle. Ted was firm.
"Give him my very kindest regards, and tell him a pressing engagement alone prevents my waiting on him."
With that he ran merrily downstairs. His feet carried him very swiftly towards Audrey.
Katherine gave the message, with some modifications; and Mr. Pigott, seeing that no good was to be gained by staying, took his leave.