Henry looked at him in surprised approval. "I think that's a very good idea," he said. "Laura will be extremely pleased when I tell her, because it shows that you are taking the matter seriously." He pulled out a little tablet from his waistcoat pocket and made a note in pencil. "I will see if I can get you a few letters of introduction to some of our people over there. I shall say of course that you are just taking a voyage for your health."
"That's about right," said Tony. "Thanks so much. I must be trotting now, or I shall be late for an appointment."
He waved a good-bye and started off the car again, while Henry, putting back his memorandum tablet, continued his way to the Home Office.
Half an hour later, having disposed of the motor circulars and having restored his energies with a brandy and soda, Tony set out again for Basil Mansions. It was still only eleven o'clock, but Claudine, who answered the bell, informed him that Molly was already up and awaiting his arrival in the drawing-room.
He found her as usual sitting at the piano, practising over a song. She spun round on the stool at his entrance, and then jumped up with both her hands outstretched.
"Oh, Tony," she exclaimed, "I am so glad you have come."
He waited until Claudine had closed the door, and then kissed her carefully on the curve of her cheek.
"I should have been here long before, Molly," he said, "but I was afraid of waking you up. A good night's rest is so essential to brain-workers."
"I have been up ages," she replied. "I can never sleep when I am excited or worried—at least not after nine o'clock."
"What's worrying you?" he asked, settling himself on the sofa.