“Now if you like, or after the match, or any old time,” said Captain Jack, looking at Stillwell with hard grey, unsmiling eyes. “I understand you have come up on your game during the war.”
Stillwell's face burned a furious red at the little laugh that went round among Captain Jack's friends.
“Frankly, I have had enough for to-day,” said the Englishman to Jack.
“All right, old chap, if you don't really mind. Though I feel you would certainly take the odd set.”
“Not a bit of it, by Jove. I am quite satisfied to let it go at that. We will have another go some time.”
“Any time that suits you—to-morrow, eh?”
“To-morrow be it,” said the Englishman.
“Now, then, Stillwell,” said Captain Jack, with a curt nod at him. “Whenever you are ready.”
“Oh, come, Maitland. I was only joshing, you know. You don't want to play with me to-day,” said Stillwell, not relishing the look on Maitland's face. “We can have a set any time.”
“No!” said Maitland shortly. “It's now or never.”