"Good-morning, Ropes," said Reggie. "Is Mr. Delmar up?"
Ropes stepped back, opening the door.
"Mr. Delmar is dressing, sir; I think he is expecting you."
"I know he is," said Reggie, advancing into the hall, and beginning to take off his gloves. "Has he ordered the car?"
"Nine-thirty sharp, sir."
Reggie smiled.
"Ah, well," he said, "I think we shall be ready by ten, with any luck."
"Yes, sir," replied Ropes; "I should think so, sir."
"You were always an optimist, Ropes," said Reggie.
At that moment a door on the farther side of the hall was thrown open and a voice—a peculiarly engaging, good-tempered sort of voice—inquired cheerfully: