Aylmer good-naturedly went aside with him.
'It's worse than ever,' said Cricker, in low, mysterious tones. 'Since I've been staying with Lady Everard it's been wire, wire, wire—ring, ring, ring—and letters by every post! You see, I thought it was rather a good plan to get away for a bit, but I'm afraid I shall have to go back. Fancy, she's threatened suicide, and telling her husband, and confiding in Lady Everard! And giving up the stage, and oh, goodness knows what! There's no doubt the poor child is absolutely raving about me. No doubt whatever.'
Aylmer was as sympathetic as he knew how.
The party was just going off when La France found that the goggles had disappeared. A search-party was organised; great excitement prevailed; but in the end they went away without the glasses.
When Dilly had just gone to sleep in her cot a frightening figure crept into her room and turned on the electric light.
'Oh, Archie! What is it! Who is it! Oh!… Oh!'
'Don't be frightened,' said Archie, in his deepest voice, obviously hoping she would be frightened. He was in pyjamas and goggles. 'Don't be frightened! Now! Say what I am. What am I?'
'A blue-faced mandrill,' she whined.
He took off the goggles and kissed her.
'Right! Good night, old girl!'