"Why, but you HAVE done a hustle," she said.

"I haven't even had time to tidy up a bit." She cleared a chair and shook a finger at the dogs, who, sneaking out from under the sofa, were eyeing her with apprehensive affection.

The Chow's mother had evidently lost her heart to a bulldog.

"Excuse the look of this back attic," she added.

"I've got to move, and I'm in the middle of packing." "Of course," said Martin, eager to know why he had been sent for.