"I'm so sorry, but he's not here," said Charmian.
Just then Susan Fleet came in. Mrs. Shiffney turned to her.
"Susan! Such a disappointment! But, of course, you know!"
"About Mr. Heath? Yes."
"Has he gone back to England?" said Max Elliot.
"Oh, no. He's in Algeria."
Charmian obviously hesitated, saw that any want of frankness would seem extraordinary, and added:
"He has gone to Constantine with a friend."
Her voice was reluctant.
"Do have some tea!" she added quickly, pulling the bell, which Pierre promptly answered with the tea things.