Columbine said nothing. She picked up her empty watering-can and swung
it carelessly on one finger, hunting for invisible weeds in the
geranium-pots the while.

Mrs. Peck was momentarily at a loss. She was not accustomed to
entertaining Rufus in his father's absence.

"Have a glass of mulberry wine!" she suggested.

"Columbine, run and fetch it, dear! It's in the right-hand corner, third
shelf, of the cupboard under the stairs. I'm sure you're very welcome,"
she added to Rufus, "but you must excuse me, for I've got to see to Mr.
Knight's dinner."

"That's all right, Mother," said Rufus.

He always called her mother; it was a term of deference with him rather
than affection. But Mrs. Peck liked him for it.

"Sit you down!" she said hospitably. "And mind you make yourself quite
at home! Columbine will look after you. You'll be staying to supper, I
hope?"

"Thanks!" said Rufus. "I don't know. Where's Adam?"

"He's chopping a bit of wood in the yard. He don't want any help. You'll
see him presently. You stop and have a chat with Columbine!" said Mrs.
Peck; and with a smile and nod she bustled stoutly away.