"Well, we began late, and I'm afraid we lingered over things," Bee said.
"Uh-huh," said Mr. Macallan understandingly. "A very special occasion. I've no right to be spoiling it for you, but 'the first with the latest' is my motto, and just this minute you're the latest."
"I suppose you mean my nephew's homecoming."
"Just that."
"And how did you find out about it so soon, Mr. Macallan?"
"One of my contacts heard about it in one of the Clare pubs."
"A deplorable word," said Bee.
"Pub?" Mr. Macallan said, puzzled.
"No. Contact."
"Och, well, one of my stooges, if you like that better," Mr. Macallan said agreeably. "Which of these young gentlemen is the returned prodigal, may I ask?"