‘Hollo, what’s up?’ was his exclamation.
Adela feared lest her face had betrayed her. She was conscious that her look could not be that of illness.
‘I am obliged to go home,’ she said, ‘I have forgotten something.’
‘I should have thought you’d rather have let the house burn down than scutter away in this profane fashion. All right, I won’t stop you.’
She hesitated, tempted to give some hint. But before she could speak, Alfred continued:
‘So Mutimer’s going to throw it up.’
‘What?’ she asked in surprise.
He nodded towards New Wanley.
‘Throw it up?’
‘So I understand. Don’t mention that I said anything; I supposed you knew.’