"Awkward stuff, that poison gas."
"Very awkward."
"Beastly smell."
"Horrid."
"Makes me cry to think of it."
"But you're a born sentimentalist."
"Ah. Goodnight. Shan't be meeting again for a few days. But Laurence here'll bring any messages."
"I shan't trouble him," said Richard.
"No? Well, that's your concern." Once again he relapsed into silence, then very suddenly flashed out the single word "Pineapple."
Richard was accompanied up the stairs by the two silent servants. They ushered him into a room on the top landing, bowed and retired. The door closed with a metallic ring. He heard the sliding of a bolt, the jingle of a chain and the sound of footsteps descending. And all of a sudden he felt very lonely.