“I’m very glad I did,” I said. “If another fiver would bring Selby-Harrison by the next steamer—Hullo! Here’s Hilda back with Miss Battersby. I hardly thought she’d have succeeded in getting her. How do you do, Miss Battersby? I’m delighted to welcome you to Lisbon, and I must do my best for you now you’re here. I’m quite at your disposal for the day.”
Miss Battersby smiled feebly. She had not yet recovered from the effects of the sea voyage.
“First,” said Lalage, “we’ll go to an hotel.”
“Of course,” I said, “to get the cigarettes.”
“No,” said Lalage; “to let Miss Battersby get to bed. She wants to get to bed, doesn’t she, Hilda?”
Hilda, who was supporting Miss Battersby, and so in a position to judge of her condition, nodded.
“She’s frightfully weak,” said Lalage to me, “on account of not having eaten anything except two water biscuits and an apple for nearly a week.”
“In that case,” I said, “a little luncheon——”
“Could you eat luncheon?” said Lalage to Miss Battersby.
Miss Battersby seemed to wish to try.