And he went back to the car, feeling oddly cheered.
* * * * * It was past five when Radmore and Timmy crept like burglars through one of the back doors of Old Place.

He sent the boy straight up to bed, but he himself felt hopelessly wide awake, so he went out of doors again, into Janet's delightful scented garden, and tramped up and down a bit to get warm.

Suddenly he knew that he was hungry.

Why shouldn't he go into the scullery and brew himself a cup of tea?
As he went into the kitchen, he saw on the table a kettle, a spirit stove, a cup and saucer, tea caddy and teapot, even a thermos full of hot water--everything ready to make an early cup of tea.

He left the thermos alone, and filled up the kettle at the scullery sink.
Radmore was still very much of an old campaigner.