We turned off through the shrubbery, and went out by the side gate along the bypath to the links.
Ranny walked behind, absolutely silent, till he burst out: "May I smoke?"
When he had lit a cigarette, I glanced back. I thought he looked a shade less miserable. I could see the four figures standing out against the house, and still no sign anywhere of Eric.
I asked Ranny if he was to be one of the yachting party.
"Lord, no!"
Perhaps they had not asked him. Maybe that was it. I said something about how we should miss Hermione.
"Er—yes," he said. "I suppose you will," and I noticed his voice was steadier.
"Don't be ungrateful," I said. "So will you."
"Me?"
Then, as I reproached him, he said: "Oh, yes; awfully nice people the Helmstones. I used to be rather fond of Lady Helmstone. But she's a woman who doesn't know how to take 'No.' That's partly why I came."