"I have it!" said John. "'His stern simplicity.'"
"Why didn't you say we could have two words?" asked Sir Peter.
John's pen was busy; obviously he did not hear.
"Burbage will serve tea here, Uncle Peter," said Phyllis. "John, you will try to make Mark talk, won't you? He is so shy."
John gazed at nothing, with vacant eyes. Phyllis looked at her uncle, comically.
"Uncle Peter, you tell him about Mark the next time he gives evidence of belonging to the human family."
She walked toward the house, intent on arrangements. At the door she glanced over her shoulder.
"Uncle Peter," she called to him, "you were pushing the perambulator forward and backward with your foot. It isn't allowed."
"They always did it in my day," said Sir Peter.
"Well, they don't now," replied Phyllis.