Orly passed the open door and went downstairs. They were alone. The guest had gone. 10 "Come and share the remains of the banquet Miss Hens'n." "_Do_ have just a bit of somethin', Ro darling, a bit of chicking or somethin'." "Feeling the effects?" remarked Mr. Leyton cheerfully munching, "I've got a patient at half past" he added nervously glancing up as if to justify his existence as well as his remark. Miriam hoped he would go on; perhaps it would occur to Mrs. Orly to ask him about the patient. "You'd feel the effects my boy if you hadn't had a wink the whole blessed night." "Hancock busy Miss Hens'?" Miriam glanced at the flushed forehead and hoped that Mr. Orly would remain with his elbows on the table and his face hidden in his hands. She was hungry and there would be no peace for anybody if he were roused. "Too many whiskies?" enquired Mr. Leyton cheerfully, shovelling salad on to his plate. "Too much whisking and frisking altogether sergeant," said Mr. Orly incisively, raising his head. Mrs. Orly flushed and frowned at Mr. Orly. "Don't be silly Ley--you know how father hates dinner parties." Mr. Orly sighed harshly, pulling himself up as Miriam began a dissertation on Mr. Hancock's crowded day. "Ze got someone with him now?" put in Mrs. Orly perfunctorily. "Wonderful man" sighed Mr. Orly harshly, glancing at his son. "Have a bit of chicking Ro." "No my love no not all the perfumes of Araby--not all the chickens of Cheshire. Have some paté Miss Hens'--No? You despise paté?" A maid came briskly in and looked helpfully round. "Who's your half past one patient Ley?" asked Mrs. Orly nervously. "Buck" rapped Mr. Leyton. "We going to wait for Mr. Hancock, Mater?" "No, of course not. Keep some things hot Emma and bring in the sweets." "Have some more chicken Miss Hens'--Emma!" he indicated his son with a flourish of his serviette. "Wait upon Mr. Leyton, serve him speedily." Emma arrested looked helpfully about, smiled in brisk amusement, seized some dishes and went out. Mrs. Orly's pinched face expanded. "Silly you are, Ro." Miriam grinned, watching dreamily. Mr. Leyton's flushed face rose and dipped spasmodically over the remains of his salad. "Bucking for Buck"--laughed Mr. Orly in a soft falsetto. "Ro, you _are_ silly, who's Buck, Ley?" "Don't question the officer Nelly." "Ro, you _are_ absurd," laughed Mrs. Orly. "Help the _jellies_ dearest" shouted Mr. Orly in a frowning whisper. "Have some jelly, Miss Hens'. It's all right Ley ... glad you so busy, my son. How many did you have this morning?" Mopping his brow and whisking his person with his serviette he glanced sidelong. "Two" said Mr. Leyton, noisily spooning up jelly, "any more of that stuff mater, how about Hancock?"