"I brought along me Sunday togs, Sir Ant'ny; seein' as 'ow I was to be livin' in the 'ouse with two ladies."
"Quite right, Bugg," said Tony approvingly. "It's just that thoughtfulness in small matters that makes the true artist in life." He paused to pull off his driving gloves. "Is there any news?" he asked.
Bugg cast a quick warning glance over his shoulder into the house.
"'Ere's the young laidy, sir," he replied in a hoarse whisper. "See yer ahtside after."
He moved away as Isabel came lightly down the stairs, and advanced along the passage to meet them.
She greeted Tony with just the faintest touch of shyness, and then led the way into the small sitting-room on the right.
Here she held out her hand to him, and bowing over it with extreme gravity, Tony kissed the pink tip of one of her fingers.
"I trust your Majesty slept well?" he observed.
She pulled away her hand. "Oh, please don't tease me," she said. "You can't imagine how funny I feel about it all." She paused. "If we hadn't met Uncle Philip yesterday, I believe I should have begun to think the whole thing was a dream."
"Perhaps it is," said Tony. "Personally I shouldn't be a bit surprised if I woke up and found Spalding standing by my bed with a cup of tea."