I should have to come in myself as the maker of the bomb who carelessly left it lying about." "It was certainly a happy effort," said the vicar, smiling.

Then he changed the subject firmly, saying: "We're going to London next week; perhaps you could recommend a play to us to go to, Sir Maurice." A faint ripple of grateful relaxation ran round the circle and presently it was clear that in taking himself off Captain Baster had lifted a wet blanket of quite uncommon thickness from the party.

They were talking easily and freely; and Mrs.Dangerfield and Sir Maurice were seeing to it that every one, even Mrs.Blenkinsop and Mrs.Morton, were getting their little chances of shining.

The Twins and Wiggins slipped away; and their elders talked the more at their ease for their going.

In the end the little gathering which Captain Baster had so nearly crushed, broke up in the best of spirits, all the guests in a state of amiable satisfaction with Mrs.Dangerfield, themselves and one another.
After they had gone Sir Maurice and Mrs.Dangerfield discussed the exploits of Erebus; and he did his best to abate her distress at the two onslaughts his violent niece had made on a guest.