“What paper is he reading? I didn’t know there was one here.”
I explained what paper it was, adding, “I quite admit that it was a waste of time when I ought to be admiring your unrivalled view, Mr. Hilderman. I offer you my sincere apologies.”
Hilderman threw a quick glance at Mr. Fuller.
“Better give it him back, Fuller,” he said. “There is nothing more annoying than to have a paper snatched away from you when you’re half-way through it.”
Shortly after that Fuller declared that he must be leaving, and asked Hilderman rather pointedly whether he felt like a trip to Loch Duich. I determined to step in with an idea of my own.
“I was going to make a suggestion myself, Mr. Hilderman,” I began, “but it doesn’t matter if you are engaged.”
“Well, I don’t know that I’m particularly keen to come with you this afternoon, Fuller,” he remarked. “What was your suggestion, Mr. Ewart?”
“I was wondering whether you would come over to Invermalluch with Burnham and me and—er—have a look round with us?”
“Well, if Fuller doesn’t think it exceedingly rude of me, I should like to,” the American replied, “especially as Mr. Burnham will be leaving you to-morrow, or the day after at latest.”