'Up to the neck.

'My dear chap, I am sorry. What are you going to do about it?

'I've done the only thing: I've announced my engagement.

'That'll please Flossie.

'Oh, yes, she's as pleased as hell about it, damn her nasty little eyes.

'What did the old man say?

'Baffled him a bit, old boy. He's just thinking things out at the moment. Well, I expect everything'll be all right.

'I don't see why it shouldn't be.

'Well, there is a reason. I don't think I told you before, but fact is, I'm married already.

That evening Paul received a summons from the Doctor. He wore a double‑breasted dinner-jacket, which he smoothed uneasily over his hips at Paul's approach. He looked worried and old.