A most extraordinary sensation flooded over Sam. It was hard to analyse, but its effects were thoroughly definite. At the discovery that this wonderful girl knew the old Bradder and that they could pave the way to a beautiful friendship by talking about the old Bradder, the office of Pyke’s Home Companion became all at once flooded with brilliant sunshine. Birds twittered from the ceiling, and blended with their notes was the soft music of violins and harps.
“You really know the Bradder?”
“What a splendid chap!”
“Yes, he’s a dear.”
“What a corker!”
“Yes!”
“What an egg!”
“Yes. Tell me, Mr. Shotter,” said Kay wearying of this eulogy, “do you remember a boy at your school named Bates?”
Sam’s face darkened. Time had softened the anguish of that moment outside the Angry Cheese, but the sting still remained.