'Nor did I,' said Madame Frabelle hastily.
'Well, don't you feel that you would like a little lunch?'
'Oh no—oh dear, no. Still, I dare say some food would do you good, Mr
Ottley—keep you up. I'll come and watch you.'
'But you must have something too.'
'Must I? Oh, very well, just to keep you company.'
They got out very briskly, and, leaving their battered-looking coffin (called ironically the Belle of the River), they walked with quick steps to the nearest hotel. Here they found a selection of large, raw-looking cold beef, damp, tired-looking ham, bread, cheese, celery, and dessert in the form of dry apples, oranges, and Brazil nuts that had long left their native land.
Bruce decided that the right thing to drink was shandy-gaff, but, to keep up her Continental reputation, Madame Frabelle said she would like a little light wine of the country.
'Red, white, or blue?' asked Bruce, whose spirits were rising.
She laughed very heartily, and decided on a little red.
They had an adequate, if not exquisite, lunch, then Madame Frabelle said she would like to go over Hampton Court. A tedious guide offered to go with them, but Madame Frabelle said she knew all about the place better than he did, so they wandered through the beautiful old palace.