“Certainly; that is why I came.”
“That’s fine. I’ll make you some tea in less than no time. Reggie, take the can, and go out and get half a pint of milk.”
“Yes, my dear,” he replied obediently, putting on his tweed hat with a rakish swagger, and taking from a table littered with papers, articles of apparel, and domestic utensils a small milk-can.
“How much money have you got in your pocket?”
He pulled out some coppers and one silver coin.
“One and sevenpence halfpenny.”
“Then, you’ll have one and sixpence halfpenny when you come home. You can buy a packet of straighters for threepence, and mind you’ re back in ten minutes.”
“Yes, dear.”
He walked out meekly, and closed the door behind him. Mrs. Reggie went to the door and looked out.
“His mother brought him up very badly,” she explained, “and he’s not above listening at keyholes.”