Presently a few questions were put in by the boys, followed by a few observations which gradually, by the adroit piloting of the host, loyally backed up by his wife, developed into a discussion on the use and abuse of "third man up" in modern cricket.

After this knotty point was disposed of the talk grew more general, and Wally became aware that his brother was handing him the apricot jam.
The act, simple in itself, meant a great deal to Wally.

He liked apricot jam, and had not been able to get at it all the evening.

As he now helped himself he admitted to himself that Percy was not quite such a lout as he had occasionally thought him.
"Thanks awfully, Percy.

Did you like that toffee I gave you the other day ?" "Rather.