The doctor was obviously embarrassed.
"She—well, she isn't very bright just now."
"Let her be bright enough to come to dinner tomorrow night," said Steppe.
The door banged and Ronnie drew a deep breath.
"Thank God," he said piously.
XIII
François went after them, not unhappy to detach himself from a tense and threatening atmosphere, his resentment against his employer somewhat modified when he reached home, by a letter from his visiting brother announcing the postponement of his departure from Switzerland.
Therefore it was Ronnie who answered the sharp ring of the bell. When he saw the girl his jaw dropped.
"Really, Beryl! You place me in a most awkward position. Whatever made you come? Steppe was here—suppose he came back? Why didn't you bring somebody with you?"