Lord Caterham groaned.

“I rather fancied, my lord, that I had heard you mention at breakfast that you were strolling down to the village this morning to converse with the vicar on the subject.”

“Did you tell him so?” asked Lord Caterham eagerly.

“I did, my lord. He departed, if I may say so, hot foot. I hope I did right, my lord?”

“Of course you did, Tredwell. You are always right. You couldn’t go wrong if you tried.”

Tredwell smiled benignly and withdrew.

Bundle meanwhile was sounding the Klaxon impatiently before the lodge gates, while a small child came hastening out with all speed from the lodge, admonishment from her mother following her.

“Make haste, Katie. That be her ladyship in a mortal hurry as always.”