As matters stood, Algy was genuinely glad when Robert announced the arrival of his friend Cedric. Old Chalky was always good for a distraction from one’s own abject failure in whatever endeavour, Algy had found. Many had been the time in their mutual schooldays when Algy had sought solace in his friend’s company after an unsuccessful midnight raid on the kitchens or, as might be, the groundsman’s bedroom.
Robert served drinks, then stood respectfully by the wall awaiting orders. And eavesdropping shamelessly, of course, but Algy could hardly begrudge the fellow that.
“So what brings you here, old chum? Life at Blithering too deathly dull without me?”
“No, actually it’s this business about Robert. I’ve been feeling terrible about the whole thing. You see, it was I who broke that blasted
