“And a vicar is so practised in consolation. I think you’re right—— But who did it?”
Flustered, panting, distraught, they hastened off in search of the vicar.
*****
Meanwhile, his Grace talked to the vicar’s wife. He was beginning to think that she was not quite herself. Her manner seemed more than peculiar. He glanced round. The stalls were still deserted.
“They haven’t begun to buy much yet, have they?” he said. “I suppose I must set the example.”
AT THAT MOMENT, WILLIAM,
GINGER AND HENRY EMERGED FROM
BENEATH ONE OF THE STALLS.
He wandered over to a stall and bought a pink cushion. Then he looked around again, his cushion under his arm, his placard still adorning the back of his coat. The crowd were engaged only in staring at him; they were fighting to get a glimpse of him; they were following him about like dogs——
“I suppose some of these people must know my name,” he said. “I thought that speech of mine in the House last week would wake people up——”
“Er—Oh, yes,” said the vicar’s wife. She blinked and swallowed. “Er—Oh, yes—indeed, yes—indeed, yes—I quite agree—er—quite!”