Still, Mr. Bryany did say something.
Said Mr. Bryany:
"Sorry to hear you've been seedy, Mr. Machin!"
"Oh, yes!" Rose Euclid blurted out, as if shot. "It's very good of you to ask us up here."
Mr. Seven Sachs concurred, adding that he hoped the illness was not serious.
Edward Henry said it was not.
"Won't you sit down, all of you?" said Edward Henry. "Miss—er—Euclid—"
They all sat down except Mr. Bryany.
"Sit down, Bryany," said Edward Henry. "I'm glad to be able to return your hospitality at the Turk's Head."
This was a blow for Mr. Bryany, who obviously felt it, and grew even more apologetic as he fumbled with assumed sprightliness at a chair.