“You are amused,” he said tensely.
Sam repudiated the dreadful charge.
“No, no! Just thinking of something.”
“Cor!” said Lord Tilbury.
Sam perceived that a frank and soothing explanation must be his first step. After that, and only after that, could he begin to institute inquiries as to why His Lordship had honoured him with this visit.
“That fellow who stole your trousers——”
“I have no wish to discuss him,” said Lord Tilbury with hauteur. “The fact that you employ a lunatic manservant causes me no surprise.”
“He wasn’t my manservant. He was a burglar.”
“A burglar? Roaming at large about the house? Did you know he was here?”
“Oh, yes. I caught him and I made him take his trousers off, and then I went next door to tea.”