CHAPTER VI
MORE THAN ONE CONCLUSION
The Warden came slowly towards them over the wide space of carpeted floor.
Lady Dashwood, who knew every passing change in his face and manner (they were photographed over and over again in every imaginable style in her book of life), noticed that the sight of herself and May alone, that is, without Gwen—had made him decide to come in. She drew her own conclusions and smiled.
"When you pass that ball of wool, pick it up, Jim," she said.
She spoke too late, however, and the Warden kicked the ball with one foot, and sent it rolling under a chair. It took the opportunity of flinging itself round one leg, and tumbling against the second. With its remaining strength it rolled half way round the third leg, and then lay exhausted.
"I'm not going to apologise," said the Warden, in his most courteous tones.
"You needn't do that, my dear, if you don't want to," said Lady Dashwood. "But pick up the ball, please."
"If I pick the ball up," said the Warden, "the result will be disastrous to somebody."