“At what o’clock?”
“At 8.”
“On arrival, am I to ask for you?”
“Better ask for Sir Oliver—one never knows.... And I might perhaps happen to be late.”
“But you won’t be? You mustn’t....”
“I will explain whatever’s needful by telephone to Sir Oliver now. And during dinner,” Mrs. Sixsmith bubbled, “while the old gentleman picks a quail, we will see what we can do!”
“How can I express my thanks...?”
“The question of commission,” Mrs. Sixsmith murmured with a slight smile, “we will discuss more fully later on.”