“So I shan’t have a chance to talk to you,” said Mr. Alter. “I must go to London to-night. I have been staying with some Hampshire friends, and thought I would look you up on my way home.”
They went out on to the after shelter-deck.
“What do you think of the Gunroom, sir?” John asked; “and of the people you met there?”
“As for the Gunroom,” Mr. Alter replied, “I have lived in worse quarters—but of my own free will, which makes a difference. The Hibbert lends it dignity and repose.... And I liked Krame and the rest.”
“I knew you would.”
“Because I’m a civilian?”
“For a variety of reasons. I like them myself, oddly enough.... How are Hugh’s people?”
“They are going East. I believe that’s fixed.”
“And is——”
Mr. Alter took no notice of the interruption. “Margaret is going with her mother,” he said.