“The amazing part of it is the way in which they are suffered.”
“But,” I observed, with all the innocence at my command, “why are you finding fault with him? I thought him most attentive.”
“There is such a thing,” returned the Major, seesawing himself on his toes and heels in a way I hate, “especially in a fellow in his position, as being too attentive.”
“But I thought that it was the special business of persons in his position to be attentive, that that was what they were there for, and that the more attentive they were the better.”
“There are ways and ways of being attentive, Miss Norah.”
This was Mr Carter. He looked really angry. I had not a notion why.
“I rather liked his way,” I said.
I could see that words were trembling on Mr Carter’s lips. The five exchanged glances, the meaning of which was beyond my comprehension. The door opened; in came the imposing personage followed by two of his understrappers. Mr Carter looked him full in the face.
“You needn’t wait.”
The personage seemed surprised, as was not unnatural.