"Yes, I'll ring."

Her tone was incredulous.

"He hasn't been in since tiffin," he told her. "Ask the boy whether he has been here."

"I don't think it would hurt you by the look of things."

The boy brought the drinks and Townsend helped himself. When he offered her some she shook her head.

"Perhaps he wouldn't care."

He took up the receiver and asked for the number. He inquired whether Dr. Fane was in. He put down the receiver.

"Walter?"

"I daren't. It'll look so funny if he has and I didn't see him."

He did as she bade and in five minutes she joined him. He was smoking a cigarette.

"What's to be done if it was Walter?" she asked.

"Ring up the laboratory and ask if Walter is there," she said then. "They won't know your voice."

They waited in silence for the boy to answer. She gave the order.

"It's always struck me he was rather shy. Some men can't bear scenes, you know. He's got sense enough to know that there's nothing to be gained by making a scandal. I don't believe for a minute it was Walter, but even if it was, my impression is that he'll do nothing. I think he'll ignore it."

"I say, could I have a brandy and soda?"

"I don't very much care," she said, with a flash of gaiety. "It was worth it."

"I couldn't resist it."

"Well, that's all to the good. You'll get round him."

"I hate Walter," she answered.

"It was my fault."

"I'm so happy with you. I wish I could make you as happy as you make me."

"You dear."

"Why did you come? I was amazed to see you."

"You know you can always count on me," he said.

She reflected for a moment.

"He's awfully in love with me."

She leaned a little towards him, her dark and shining eyes gazing passionately into his, her mouth a little open with desire, and he put his arms round her. She abandoned herself with a sigh of ecstasy to their shelter.

"You're not frightened any more?"

He gave her that charming smile of his which she had always found so irresistible. It was a slow smile which started in his clear blue eyes and travelled by perceptible degrees to his shapely mouth. He had small white even teeth. It was a very sensual smile and it made her heart melt in her body.

He did not quite know what to say to this, so he kissed her. Her face was very soft against his.

"No, but I flatter myself that I've got a head screwed on my shoulders."

He nodded. For one instant she clung to him more closely, but she felt his desire to go, and she released him.

Her answer was low and deep and serious. He gave a flattered laugh.

"It's shameful the way you neglect your work. Be off with you." He could never resist the temptation to flirt.

"You know that I hate to let you go."

"You seem in a devil of a hurry to get rid of me," he said lightly.

"Don't worry your pretty little head about our mysterious visitor. I'm quite sure it was the amah. And if there's any trouble I guarantee to get you out of it."

"Do you know what I must do now?"

"Bolt?" she smiled.

"Have you had a lot of experience?" His smile was amused and complacent.

But he took her wrist on which was a little gold watch and looked at the time.