The party assembled for tea in the drawing-room. Fendihook's first words to Liosha were:
"Hallo, my Balkan Queen, how have you been getting on?"
"Very well, thank you," smiled Liosha.
He turned to Jaffery. "She's not up to her usual form to-day. But sometimes she's a fair treat! I give you my word."
He laughed loudly and winked. Jaffery, whose agility in repartee was rather physical than mental, glowered at him, rumbled something unintelligible beneath his breath, and took tea out to Doria, who was established on the terrace.
"Seems to have got the pip," Mr. Fendihook remarked cheerfully.
Barbara, with icy politeness, offered him tea. He refused, explaining that unless he sat down to a square meal, which, in view of the excellence of his lunch, he was unable to do, he never drank tea in the afternoon.
"Could I have a whisky and soda, old pal?"
The drink was brought. He pledged Barbara—"And may I drink to the success of that promising little affair"—he jerked a backward thumb—"between our pippy friend and the charming widow?"
Barbara had passed the gasping stage.