We should remember that the securing of this headmastership meant everything to the young couple.”
“Young couple! What young couple?”
“The Reverend James Bates, sir, and Lady Cynthia. I am informed by her ladyship’s maid that they have been engaged to be married for some weeks—provisionally, so to speak; and his lordship made his consent conditional on Mr. Bates securing a really important and remunerative position.”
Young Bingo turned a light green.
“Engaged to be married!”
“Yes, sir.”
There was a silence.
“I think I’ll go for a walk,” said Bingo.
“But, my dear old thing,” I said, “it’s just lunchtime. The gong will be going any minute now.”
“I don’t want any lunch!” said Bingo.