Susan poured out tea, and was just remarking that they were having hot weather in Wiltshire too, when Mr.
Venning asked whether he might join them.
"It's so nice to find a young man who doesn't despise tea," said Mrs.
Paley, regaining her good humour.

"One of my nephews the other day asked for a glass of sherry--at five o'clock! I told him he could get it at the public house round the corner, but not in my drawing room." "I'd rather go without lunch than tea," said Mr.Venning.

"That's not strictly true.

I want both." Mr.Venning was a dark young man, about thirty-two years of age, very slapdash and confident in his manner, although at this moment obviously a little excited.

His friend Mr.Perrott was a barrister, and as Mr.
Perrott refused to go anywhere without Mr.Venning it was necessary, when Mr.Perrott came to Santa Marina about a Company, for Mr.Venning to come too.