James hesitated, trying to determine the right policy to pursue. Then he said firmly:
"There are one or two matters to talk over, sir, before we part company."
"Meaning, my lad?"
"Matters we had better discuss quietly, and—alone."
"Ho! Hear that, Susan? He's not quite in such a hurry to take the young lady without her stockin's. Very good! You pop off to bed, my girl. Susan, you go with her. I'll see you later."
Posy glanced at James, who nodded.
"Good-night, Jim!"
"Good-night, my darling!"
"Tchah!" muttered Quinney. For the third time in his life the remembrance of the Channel crossing vividly presented itself. He felt deadly sick!
II