“I’ve always led a very respectable God-fearing life,” said Lord Caterham. “It seems extraordinary, considering how little harm I do to anybody, that I can’t be let alone. If only—”
He stopped as Bundle made a sudden excursion through the window.
“MacDonald,” called Bundle in a clear, autocratic voice.
The emperor approached. Something that might possibly have been taken for a smile of welcome tried to express itself on his countenance, but the natural gloom of gardeners dispelled it.
“Your ladyship?” said MacDonald.
“How are you?” said Bundle.
“I’m no verra grand,” said MacDonald.
“I wanted to speak to you about the bowling green. It’s shockingly overgrown. Put someone on to it, will you?”
MacDonald shook his head dubiously.
“It would mean taking William from the lower border, m’lady.”
“Damn the lower border,” said Bundle. “Let him start at once. And MacDonald—”
“Yes, m’lady?”
“Let’s have some of those grapes in from the far house. I know it’s the wrong time to cut them because it always is, but I want them all the same. See?”
Bundle reentered the library.