Whilst he was talking, the door opened to admit another arrival, and a servant's voice announced 'Mr.Peak'.

Miss Moxey rose, and moved a step or two forward; a change was visible on her countenance, which had softened and lightened.
'I am very sorry to be late,' said the new-comer, in a dull and rather husky voice, which made strong contrast with the humorous tones his entrance had interrupted.
He shook hands in silence with the rest of the company, giving merely a nod and a smile as reply to some gracious commonplace from Mrs.Morton.
'Has it come to your knowledge,' Earwaker asked of him, 'that Bruno Chilvers is exciting the orthodox world by his defence of Christianity against neo-heathenism ?' 'Chilvers ?--No.' 'Mrs.Morton tells us that all the Church newspapers ring with his name.' 'Please don't think,' cried Mrs.Morton, with the same anxious look as before, 'that I read such papers.

We never have such a thing in our house, Mr.Peak.I have only been told about it.' Peak smiled gravely, but made no other answer.

Then he turned to Earwaker.
'Where is he ?' 'I can't say.

Perhaps Mrs.Morton'-- 'They tell me he is somewhere in Norfolk,' replied the lady.