“Playing at burglars?” hazarded Mrs. Waters.
“Landlord of a little country public-house,” said Mr. Travers, simply.
Mrs. Waters fell back and regarded him with open-eyed amazement.
“Good morning,” she said, as soon as she could trust her voice.
“Good-bye,” said Mr. Travers, reluctantly. “I should like to hear how old Benn takes this joke, though.”
Mrs. Waters retreated into the house and stood regarding him. “If you're passing this way again and like to look in—I'll tell you,” she said, after a long pause. “Good-bye.”
“I'll look in in a week's time,” said Mr. Travers.
He took the proffered hand and shook it warmly. “It would be the best joke of all,” he said, turning away.
“What would?”
The soldier confronted her again.