He put the letter back in the untorn envelope and carefully fastened it up again. He then placed it on the mantelpiece, and having finished his breakfast, lit a cigarette.
He looked thoughtful.
"Algie Thynne, indeed!" he said to himself. "How pathetic, trying to make me jealous! Well, it's a pretty letter, and what's more, it must be answered."
Val came back.
"Romer wants the lawn mown," she said. "He's perfectly mad on the subject of mowing the lawn. He seems to think it ought to be shaved every day. It's the only thing he knows about the country. Well, have you read your letter?"
"There it is," said Harry. "You can read it if you like." He watched her carefully as she took it from the mantelpiece.
"I don't want to read it," she said, holding it.
"Nor do I," said Harry.
"Harry, tell me honestly, wouldn't you really mind if I tore it into little bits and put it in the waste-paper basket—just as it is?"
"Not a straw," said Harry, shaking his head.