And he was fond of Marie! He had always been fond of her in his own way. There was no earthly reason that he could see why they should not get on ideally well together.
But Marie was not in the lounge. He looked round with a slight frown, and his gaze fell upon Feathers, yawning behind his paper.
Chris went up to him.
"Where's Marie?"
"She went out just now with Atkins. I heard them say something about a swim."
Chris looked annoyed.
"She ought to have waited for me," he said shortly. "Atkins takes too much upon himself."
39 Feathers rose and threw down his paper.
"They've only just gone," he said. "We can catch them up if you come now."
But Chris was thoroughly out of temper. He had letters to write, he said, and no doubt Marie would be back before long. He turned away and Feathers strolled out into the sunshine alone.