Then, mercifully, the band started, and the embarrassing attention of about sixty pairs of eyes was diverted accordingly.
A moment later my brother-in-law and I had the table to ourselves.
"And now," said Berry, "forward with that bauble. The Rump Parliament is off."
Perhaps, because it was a warm evening, the Casino's furnaces were in full blast. After a while the heat became oppressive. Presently I left Berry to the champagne and went for a stroll in the Palmarium.
As I was completing my second lap—
"Captain Pleydell," said a dignified voice.
I turned to see Mrs. Waterbrook, leaning upon a stick, accompanied by a remarkably pretty young lady with her hair down her back.
I came to them swiftly.
"Have you met with an accident?" I inquired.
"I have. I've ricked my ankle. Susan, this is Captain Pleydell, whose cousin is going to marry Piers. Captain Pleydell, this is Susan—my only niece. Now I'm going to sit down." I escorted her to a chair. "That's better. Captain Pleydell, have you seen the Château?"