"That is a feat beyond me, I am afraid," he said, quietly. "Shall we go on? Chris will be coming directly."
They met him almost at once, and turned back to the hotel together.
"Had a topping bath," Chris said breezily. He looked very fresh and sunburnt, and his hair had crinkled up into little waves with the salt water. As a rule he kept it smooth with brilliantine.
"What have you two been doing?" he asked, looking at his wife.
"Talking! I have been telling Mr. Dakers that we are going back to London on Friday."
"Yes, Marie's had enough of this place and so have I," Chris said. "Why not come along with us and stay for a bit. Feathers?"
Feathers was lighting a cigarette, which perhaps was why he did not answer immediately.
"Afraid I can't just now, thanks all the same," he said rather curtly. "Later on, if you'll ask me again, I shall be delisted."
"Always glad to see you," Chris said. He had quite forgotten the little upset of last night; unpleasantnesses passed over his head 92 very quickly, perhaps because real trouble had never knocked at his door.
"I tell Marie we shall have to look about for a house," he went on. "Or perhaps a flat would be better, as it's not such a tie, and I like going away for week-ends."