'I hate and detest every bit of it, said Professor Silenus gravely. 'Nothing I have ever done has caused me so much disgust. With a deep sigh he rose from the table and walked from the room, the fork with which he had been eating still held in his hand.
'Otto has real genius, said Mrs Beste‑Chetwynde. 'You must be sweet to him, Peter. There's a whole lot of people coming down to‑morrow for the week‑end, and, my dear, that Maltravers has invited himself again. You wouldn't like him for a stepfather, would you, darling?
'No, said Peter. 'If you must marry again do choose someone young and quiet.
'Peter, you're an angel. I will. But now I'm going to bed. I had to wait to see you both. Show Mr Pennyfeather the way about, darling.
The aluminium lift shot up, and Paul came down to earth.
'That's an odd thing to ask me in a totally strange house, said Peter Beste‑Chetwynde. 'Anyway, let's have some luncheon.
It was three days before Paul next saw Mrs Beste-Chetwynde.
* * *
'Don't you think that she's the most wonderful woman in the world? said Paul.
'Wonderful? In what way?