Reece was working when the deputation entered. He looked up enquiringly, but if he was pleased to see his visitors he managed to conceal the fact.
'Oh, I say, Reece,' began Monk, who had constituted himself spokesman to the expedition, 'are you busy?'
'Yes,' said Reece simply, going on with his writing.
This might have discouraged some people, but Nature had equipped Monk with a tough skin, which hints never pierced. He dropped into a chair, crossed his legs, and coughed. Danvers and Waterford leaned in picturesque attitudes against the door and mantelpiece. There was a silence for a minute, during which Reece continued to write unmoved.
'Take a seat, Monk,' he said at last, without looking up.
'Oh, er, thanks, I have,' said Monk. 'I say, Reece, we wanted to speak to you.'
'Go ahead then,' said Reece. 'I can listen and write at the same time. I'm doing this prose against time.'
'It's about Gethryn.'
'What's Gethryn been doing?'
'Oh, I don't know. Nothing special. It's about his being captain of the House team. The chaps seem to think he ought to resign.'