“She’s coming down to stay with us next weekend.”

“Is she?” said Jimmy, trying to infuse a large amount of wistful longing into the two words.

“Yes. Would⁠—would you like to come?”

“I would ,” said Jimmy heartily. “Thanks ever so much, Lady Coote.”

And reiterating fervent thanks, he left her.

Sir Oswald presently joined his wife.

“What has that young jackanapes been boring you about?” he demanded. “I can’t stand that young fellow.”

“He’s a dear boy,” said Lady Coote. “And so brave. Look how he got wounded last night.”

“Yes, messing around where he’d no business to be.”