"Indeed? Well, I must say I am glad to — er — hear it. Now what about that meeting of ours? Can I — er -persuade you to come out and dine — er — tonight?"
"Thanks very much, sir, but I'm afraid I can't manage it tonight," said Harding. "Some other time, if I may."
"My dear fellow, it won't take you all the — er — evening to write up your report!" expostulated the Major.
Harding reddened slightly. "No, of course not, but I've got to go up to the Grange this evening sir and,"
"To the Grange? But what in the world for?" asked the Major, bewildered.
"Oh, just to clear up a — a small matter arrising from the case," said Harding.
The "small matter", with whom he had previously held a somewhat protracted conversation over the telephone, met him on the doorstep of the Grange when he drove up shortly before nine o'clock. She expressed a desire to be informed whether he was on duty or off.
"Off," said Inspector Harding, demonstrating the truth of this statement by taking the lady in too his arms.
Miss Fawcett protested feebly. "Supposing somebody were looking?"
"I don't mind if there are dozens of people looking," said Inspector Harding brazenly.