V
“Mullett,” said George.
“Sir?”
“Have you pressed my dress clothes?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And brushed them?”
“Yes, sir.”
“My ties—are they laid out?”
“In a neat row, sir.”
George coughed.
“Mullett!”
“Sir?”
“You recollect the little chat we were having just now?”
“Sir?”
“About the young lady I—er. …”
“Oh, yes, sir.”
“I understand you have seen her.”
“Just a glimpse, sir.”
George coughed again.
“Ah—rather attractive, Mullett, didn’t you think?”
“Extremely, sir. Very cuddly.”
“The exact adjective I would have used myself, Mullett!”
“Indeed, sir?”
“Cuddly! A beautiful word.”
“I think so, sir.”
George coughed for the third time.
“A lozenge, sir?” said Mullett solicitously.
“No, thank you.”
“Very good, sir.”
“Mullett!”
“Sir?”
“I find that Mr. Beamish is an intimate friend of this young lady.”
“Fancy that, sir!”
“He is going to introduce me.”
“Very gratifying, I am sure, sir.”
George sighed dreamily.
“Life is very sweet, Mullett.”
“For those that like it, sir—yes, sir.”
“Lead me to the ties,” said George.