After the news an announcement was broadcasted, as had been done for the past few days, asking for information as to the whereabouts of Ronald, now Sir Ronald Watson, last heard of at Monte Video, etc.
As the loud speaker announced this, Collins saw a swift glance pass between Mabel and Allery.
When the Savoy bands were in full blast, Sanders and Allery departed to finish an interrupted game of billiards. The four ladies continued a game of bridge. Collins had joined with neither party, but watched each in turn. When Mabel was “dummy” she came across to him. “I wish you were not out of things like this,” she said, “I feel I am not doing my duty as hostess.”
“Not a bit of it,” he replied. “I am enjoying myself.”
“I suppose you are feeling more at rest now that this horrible affair has been cleared up?”
“Of course it ends the matter as far as I am concerned—for the present,” he said. “And you?”
“Oh, I told you,” she said. “I would much rather it turned out to be a man who was not responsible. There will be nothing done to him, I suppose?”
“He will be confined to Broadmoor for life, now. He has been there before, you know. They won’t let him out again.”
“How sad,” she said; “but it’s better than a man being hanged, isn’t it?”
“If he’s guilty,” said Collins.