“If he does it'll be a record,” remarked Kenneth. “That'll do, Kenneth,” Violet said, in a tone of authority. “There, is that how you like it, Mr Vereker?”
“I like it almost anyhow,” replied Roger simply. “I've forgotten your name, but thank you.”
“Williams,” she said. “Violet Williams. A very ordinary name, I'm afraid.”
“Yes, they're always the worst to keep in your head,” agreed Roger. “Well, here's luck, everybody! Chinchin!”
His relatives received this in unresponsive silence. Murgatroyd, whose indignation had been diverted by the sight of Violet doing the honours of the flat, said suddenly: “Well, what's to be done, that's what I want to know?”
“Don't worry about me,” said Roger. “I'm very adaptable. I don't suppose I shall be here long either. My idea is to take a flat on my own.”
vWhy bother?” said Kenneth. “Isn't Arnold's house enough for you?”
“I shouldn't like it,” replied Roger, with more decision than he had yet shown. “Not my style at all. I'll tell you what, though: I'll give it to you and Tony.”
“Thanks. We don't want it.”
Murgatroyd, who had been thinking, said in a somewhat mollified voice: “I suppose he'll have to stay. It won't do any good to have him trapesing round town like a regular tramp. He can have the camp-bed in the boxroom.”