Uncle Chris started.
“Underhill! Is Derek Underhill in America?”
“Landed this morning. Routed me out of bed at seven o’clock.”
“Oh, do you know him, too, Major Selby?” said Mrs Peagrim. “Then I’m sure he must be charming!”
“Charming,” began Uncle Chris in measured tones, “is an adjective which I cannot …”
“Well, thanks most awfully,” interrupted Freddie. “It’s fearfully good of you to let me bring him along. I must be staggering off now. Lot of things to do.”
“Oh, must you go already?”
“Absolutely must. Lot of things to do.”
Uncle Chris extended a hand to his hostess.
“I think I will be going along, too, Mrs Peagrim. I’ll walk a few yards with you, Freddie my boy. There are one or two things I would like to talk over. Till tonight, Mrs Peagrim.”