“Oh!” said Lord Caterham faintly, and his heart sank, whilst his mind raced actively over all the dread possibilities that might lie behind that simple phrase.

“ Very particularly,” said George with heavy emphasis.

Lord Caterham’s heart sank lower than ever. He felt that something was coming worse than anything he had yet thought of.

“Yes?” he said, with a courageous attempt at nonchalance.

“Is Eileen at home?”

Lord Caterham felt reprieved, but slightly surprised.

“Yes, yes,” he said. “Bundle’s here. Got that friend of hers with her⁠—the little Wade girl. Very nice girl⁠— very nice girl. Going to be quite a good golfer one day. Nice easy swing⁠—”