He was an old favourite of David's.

He asked if he should send some whisky and soda.
"The young man agreed, adding: "'Sir Alan and I have commenced the year badly, Ferguson.

We quarrelled over a silly mistake.

I have made up my mind not to sleep on it, so I will await his arrival.

Let me know if he comes in the other way.' "The butler hoped that the matter was not a serious one.
"'Under other circumstances it might be,' was the answer, 'but as things are, it is simply a wretched mistake, which a little reasonable discussion will put right.' "The footman brought the whisky and soda.
"Twenty minutes later he re-entered the room to attend to the fire.