"Hits of no consequence," she said graciously.
She had the situation entirely in hand. Even William, born leader as he was, was overshadowed by her, and was content that it should be so. Just as two small boys had climbed the pedestal in the middle of the ornamental pond and were endeavouring to stop up the fountain, a butler came down the path with an expression of horror on his face. The young man waved him away.
"It's all right, Thomson," he said.
"Yes, sir," said the man, "but her ladyship has arrived, sir. Her ladyship has had her boxes sent upstairs. I thought I'd better warn you, sir."
The young man groaned.
"Is there time for me to be summoned to town?" he asked.
"I'm afraid not," replied the butler. "She's coming to find you now, sir. Here she is, sir."
A large woman bore down upon them. She wore a large cloak and a large hat, and several Pomeranians trotted at her heels.
The young man rose to receive her.
"Here you are, Bertram," she said, "you didn't invite me, but I've come."