Blemley replied that your lack of brain-power was the precise
quality which had earned you your invitation, as you were the only
person she could think of who might be idiotic enough to buy their
old car. You know, the one they call 'The Envy of Sisyphus,'
because it goes quite nicely up-hill if you push it."

Lady Blemley's protestations would have had greater effect if she
had not casually suggested to Mavis only that morning that the car
in question would be just the thing for her down at her Devonshire
home.

Major Barfield plunged in heavily to effect a diversion.

"How about your carryings-on with the tortoiseshell puss up at the
stables, eh?"

The moment he had said it every one realized the blunder.

"One does not usually discuss these matters in public," said
Tobermory frigidly. "From a slight observation of your ways since
you've been in this house I should imagine you'd find it
inconvenient if I were to shift the conversation on to your own
little affairs."

The panic which ensued was not confined to the Major.

"Would you like to go and see if cook has got your dinner ready?"
suggested Lady Blemley hurriedly, affecting to ignore the fact
that it wanted at least two hours to Tobermory's dinner-time.