Then the Birketts came in, to whom Matron spoke at considerable length about how like old times it was to see Mr. and Mrs. Bissell again till the arrival of Mr. Shergold suddenly put an end to her monologue.
“I am extremely sorry to be late,” said Mr. Shergold, who looked exactly like a demobilized naval officer which indeed he was, “but Bellinger’s parents rang up to say their car had broken down, so I ran him into Barchester. I hope that was all right, sir,” he added to Everard. “He got the 6.57 all right and they will meet him with a taxi.”
Everard thanked Mr. Shergold and made no further comment, noting however with approval that his successor was keeping an eye on his future boarders and helping boys out of difficulties, and they went in to dinner. For once the inevitable talk about
