Andrew wondered how much Elsie understood; and he was not deceived by her unchanged expression. Elsie was quick and did not always show her feelings.
"You made some brilliant strokes, but your play's a bit erratic," Williamson said to Dick. "It might be worth your while to study some of the good professionals. That reminds me, there's an interesting semi-private match next Thursday, and I've friends at the club."
He mentioned two players whom Andrew had heard of, and the door opened while he added something about the match. Andrew was watching his cousin and did not look up, and it was a few moments later when he saw that Staffer had come in.
"I've been suggesting that Dick should come to town to-morrow," Williamson said. "I can show him some good billiards."
"I can't stop him, although I imagine he'd better stay at home," Staffer answered with a smile. "As he has been warned to keep regular hours and that sort of thing, it's possible that the excursion might not be good for him. Dick's rather too keen a sportsman."
Andrew could find no obvious fault with Staffer's reply. On the surface, it was tactful; but something in his manner made it inciting instead of deterrent.
"You arranged to take us snipe-shooting on Wednesday," he reminded his cousin.
"So I did," Dick admitted. "Still, we could fix another day. We might get a woodcock if we waited a bit."
"I'm keen on snipe," Whitney interposed. "Besides, we're going down the coast again at the end of the week."
Staffer gave him a quick glance and Dick seemed to hesitate.