“Quite a debauch,” said Godfrey.
Baltazar’s quick eyes picked out the board by the Southampton platform.
“Your train, I see, goes at 5.45. You’re a bit early.”
“Yes, sir. It’s such a long time till the train starts that I couldn’t think of asking you to wait.”
“That doesn’t matter a bit, my dear boy. Time is no object.”
“I’m very sorry to be rude, sir—but as a matter of fact I have an appointment,” said Godfrey desperately. “An important appointment.”
“Oh!” said Baltazar.
“And, if you don’t mind, I must wait outside the station. Quong Ho is bringing my suit-case. I shouldn’t like to miss him.”
He made a step forward, but an ironic glitter in his father’s searching eyes arrested the movement.
“Quong Ho isn’t bringing your suit-case. I’ve come instead.”