He was going to take it himself though he knew that his idol had gone away for the day. However a friend hailed him just as he was setting out, so he put the note on the hatstand and went out to join his friend, meaning to take the note later.
He met William just coming in.
“Hello, little page——” he said in mock affection.
William looked at him, his brows drawn into a frown, his most sphinx-like expression upon his freckled face. William’s stubbly hair as usual stood up around his face like a halo.... William was not beautiful.
Robert, whistling gaily, went down the steps to join his friend at the gate.
William took up the note, read the address, and went into the drawing-room where Mrs. Brown was, as usual, darning socks.
“Sh’ I take this note for Robert?” he said, assuming his earnestly virtuous expression. Mrs. Brown was touched.
“Yes, dear,” she said, “how thoughtful of you.”
An hour later Robert returned. “I say,” he said, “where’s that note? I left a note here. Has it been taken round?”
“Yes, dear,” said Mrs. Brown absently.