'I—er—feel that perhaps—'
James waited attentively.
'Have you sugar?'
'Plenty, thanks,' said James.
'I shall be sorry if it rains,' said Mr Blatherwick.
Conversation languished.
James laid his cup down.
'I have some writing to do,' he said. 'I think I'll be going upstairs now.'
'Er—just so,' said Mr Blatherwick, with relief. 'Just so. An excellent idea.'
'Er—Datchett,' said Mr Blatherwick next day, after breakfast.