Page:Herbert Jenkins - Patricia Brent Spinster.djvu/175

 "The message was quite correct, Mrs. Bonsor. I am very busy with pigs, and babies, and potatoes. I really cannot add Lord Peter to my responsibilities at the moment."

Mrs. Bonsor looked at Patricia as if she had suddenly gone mad.

"But Miss Brent" began Mrs. Bonsor, scandalised.

"I suppose I shall have to see him," said Patricia, rising with the air of one who has to perform an unpleasant task. "I wish he'd stay at the War Office and leave me to do my work. I suppose I shall have to write to Lord Derby about it."

Mrs. Bonsor glanced at Mr. Bonsor, who, however, was busily engaged in preparing an appropriate speech upon War Office methods, suggested by Patricia's remark about Lord Derby. As Patricia entered the morning-room, Bowen came forward.

"Oh, Patricia! why will you persist in being a cold douche? Why this morning I absolutely scandalised Peel by singing at the top of my voice whilst in my bath, and now. Look at me now!"

Patricia looked at him, then she was forced to laugh. He presented such a woebegone appearance.

"But what on earth have I to do with your singing in your bath?" she enquired.

"It was The Morning Post paragraph. I