Cairns obeyed, then picked up Poo and sat down on the couch.
'This is sweet of you, Tom,' said Victoria. 'They are lovebirds.'
'I'm glad you like them; this is Poo I'm holding, yours is Snoo.'
'Odd names,' said Victoria.
'Chinese according to the dealer,' said Cairns, 'but I don't pretend to know what they mean.'
'Never mind,' said Victoria, 'they're lovebirds, and so are you, Tom.'
Cairns looked at her silently, at her full erect figure and smiling eyes. He was a lucky beggar, a damned lucky beggar.
'And what is this bribe for?' she asked.
'Oh, nothing. Knew you'd like them, beastly tempers and as game as mice. Women's dogs, you know.'
'Generalising again, Tom. Besides I hate mice.'