Then the business of tea was entered upon, reflectively, and almost in silence, as was the custom at Woodside Farm. The silence puzzled Mr. Garratt a little, this being his first visit; then he wondered if it were a compliment to himself, and whether these quiet people were shy before him.
"Is there much doing in London?" he asked Mr. Vincent, thinking perhaps that he was expected to lead the conversation.
"I suppose so," Mr. Vincent answered, a little coldly.
"I always think myself that it does one good to go up. I dare say you find the same? Did you stay at one of the hotels in the Strand?"
"We stayed at the Langham."
"It's rather swagger there, you know." Mr. Garratt thought this would be a pleasing remark.
"It's very quiet," Mr. Vincent said, haughtily.
"Did you go anywhere, father?" Mrs. Vincent asked.
"Yes; we went to Westminster Abbey."