Manchurian Books

Then we hung up in a distinct pause, and my
aunt rescued me. "George," she said in a confidential undertone, "keep
the pot a-boiling." And then audibly, "I say, will you both old trot
about with tea a bit?"
"Only too delighted to TROT for you, Mrs. Ponderevo," said the
clergyman, becoming fearfully expert and in his elements; "only too
delighted."
I found we were near a rustic table, and that the housemaid was behind
us in a suitable position to catch us on the rebound with the tea
things.
"Trot!" repeated the clergyman to me, much amused; "excellent
expression!" And I just saved him from the tray as he turned about.
We handed tea for a while....
"Give 'em cakes," said my aunt, flushed, but well in hand. "Helps 'em to
talk, George. Always talk best after a little nourishment. Like throwing
a bit of turf down an old geyser."
She surveyed the gathering with a predominant blue eye and helped
herself to tea.
"They keep on going stiff," she said in an undertone.... "I've done my
best."
"It's been a huge success," I said encouragingly.


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