He played it with much more spirit than usual, and Desmond's antics in 'Animal Grab' put all serious notions to flight.
But when the game was over, and Forest brought in the candles, Margaret tried to get some information.
'You found the father reasonable ?' she said to her brother in an undertone, as they stood together by the fire.
'Oh, yes,' was the indifferent answer, 'from his own point of view.' And when he had lit their candles for his sisters, he excused himself at once on the ground of being dog-tired after a long day.
The door closed upon him.
The family gathered together in a group, while the Rector and Elizabeth talked about the village at the further end of the room.
'They've quarrelled!' said Margaret decisively.
Alice Gaddesden, because it was Margaret's opinion, disagreed.

There was nothing to show it, she said.

Aubrey had been quite calm.
Desmond broke out, 'Did you ever see Aubrey anything else ?' Pamela said nothing, but she slipped out to tell Forest about the pony-cart.
Meanwhile the Rector had looked at his watch, and came up to take his leave.
'Has the Squire gone to bed ?' he said cheerfully.

'I daresay.

He works so hard.