"That's a reason," I admitted.
"And I didn't tell you at first because you would have thought I was going off my chump. I don't look the sort of chap that could write a novel, do I? You would have said I was attempting the impossible, like Adrian. You and Barbara would have been scared to death and you would have put me off."
Franklin came from the house. Luncheon was on the table. We hurried to the dining-room. Jaffery sat down before a gigantic crab.
"Is it all right?" he asked.
"Doria has interceded for you," said Barbara. "You owe her your life."
Doria smiled. "It's the least I could do for you."
Jaffery grinned by way of delicate rejoinder and immersed himself in crab. From its depths, as it seemed, he said:
"Hilary has read half the book."
"What do you think of it?" Barbara asked.
I repeated my dithyrambic eulogy. Doria's eyes shone.