There was a tap at the door.
“See how we have trained them,” said Psmith. “They now knock before entering. There was a time when they would have tried to smash in a panel. Come in.”
A small boy, carrying a straw hat adorned with the school-house ribbon, answered the invitation.
“Oh, I say, Jackson,” he said, “the headmaster sent me over to tell you he wants to see you.”
“I told you so,” said Mike to Psmith.
“Don’t go,” suggested Psmith. “Tell him to write.”
Mike got up.
“All this is very trying,” said Psmith. “I’m seeing nothing of you to-day.” He turned to the small boy. “Tell Willie,” he added, “that Mr. Jackson will be with him in a moment.”
The emissary departed.
“You’re all right,” said Psmith encouragingly. “Just you keep on saying you’re all right. Stout denial is the thing. Don’t go in for any airy explanations. Simply stick to stout denial. You can’t beat it.”