"In so far as in me lieth, Toney," said Sir Evas doubtfully.
"Oh, yes, you can. Have you learnt that list of names I gave you? I put them quite plain, a column for the men and women and a column for the children. It took a deal of writing to get all the names of the children, you know, so I hope you've learnt them."
"Oh, that's an excuse!" laughed Toney, "let me see, what's the name of Timothy Grant's fourth child? He's your cowman, uncle, so you really _ought_ to know _his_ children."
"Polly," answered Sir Evas, looking grave.
"Oh! why the eldest is Polly, there couldn't be two Pollys, you know. It's Marthyann, all in one, Mrs. Grant declares, she says she 'giv it out herself to Mr. 'ales.'"
"Is Marthyann coming, Toney, and shall I be expected to recognise her?"
"They'd just adore you if you were to go up straight to her and call her Marthyann, but it won't do if you go to the wrong one, so perhaps you'd better ask me first."
"But I assure you, Toney, your list was longer than my arm; it would want a royal memory to attempt it!"
"I _think_ I've got them all right, but Jenny Varly's eldest boy is Tommy Varly, and John Todd's second boy is Tommy Todd, and they are cousins, and as like as two peas, and I do sometimes mistake them! But, uncle, there are no drones here, as you aren't very handy with your fingers, can you hold that box of nails for Phil Smith?"
"Well, for a few minutes. I've a lot to do this morning, and Mr. Staines is still requiring my services, and your new secretary is coming to-morrow, and your aunt is rather upset because the gardeners are all here, and----"
"I've left her Miss Grossman," answered Toney laughing, "she's a host in herself, and she told me she didn't hold by spoiling _poor_ people! Why it's just the poor we ought to spoil! Don't you think so, uncle?"
Sir Evas pretended not to hear as he did not want Toney to bring up his remarks against him at some future time. He knew this was an inconvenient habit of hers, so he slipped out of the barn as soon as he could when she wasn't looking.
The workers went on with all speed. All had to be done by five o'clock when the guests would begin to arrive.
"I suppose you have had to hire the knives and spoons," said Lewis, coming down for a moment to contemplate his work.