"Don't know, sir."
"What's time?"
"Ten past."
"They can't have arrived yet. Say I'm out."
Doran withdrew and returned almost immediately.
"Sir, there's——"
Barraclough threw open the door and came into the room. He was in trousers and a shirt and was fastening a tie.
"Well?"
"It's Miss Irish, sir. I said you were out but she didn't believe me.
Insisted on coming in."
"Lord, that's awkward. Where did you leave her?"