"Of course it's a fact," said Colin, "and a very nice one too."
"I can see that for myself," retorted Mark. He turned to Nancy and pushed forward a chair. "Do sit down," he added. "You must forgive my being rather stupid, but I really thought Colin was joking. You see, I only mentioned the matter to him a few hours ago."
"It doesn't take me long to do a little job like that," said Colin, "not when I once start it."
Nancy was about to speak when she was interrupted by a plaintive request from outside that someone would open the door. Colin hastened to comply, and Mrs. Mark, carrying a teapot and a large covered plate, sailed smilingly into the room.
"Be careful of the crumpets, Colin," she said, as he relieved her of her burden. "I have done them with a double lot of butter in honour of your visit."
Mark laid his hand on his wife's shoulder.
"Mary," he said, wheeling her round so that she faced Nancy, "do you know who this is?"
"Of course I do," was the answer. "We were introduced to each other on the doorstep. I had no idea that Colin had such nice friends."
"But you haven't heard the really thrilling part of it. This is the dream secretary who is going to get us out of all our troubles."
"Oh, how splendid!" exclaimed Mary, but before she could add anything further Nancy rose to her feet with a little protesting gesture.