said I, staring at the breakfast cup which Jill was offering me, that I might pass it to Daphne. “How many more cups is he going to drink? He’s had three to my knowledge.” “That vessel,” said Berry, “was passed to you for information and immediate action. So, as they say in the Army, close your perishin’ head and get down to it.” “What you want,” said I, “is a bucket. Or a private urn.” “What’s the matter with a trough?” said Jonah. “That’d be more in keeping.” Berry turned to Adèle. “You see?” he said. “Two putrid minds with but a single snort. But there you are. Don’t dwell on it. Pass the marmalade instead.” He turned to his wife. “And what’s the programme for today? The glass has gone up, it’s already raining, ‘all’s right with the world.’ Anybody like to play ping-pong?” “Fool,” said his wife. “As a matter of fact, I don’t think it would be a bad idea if we went over to Broken Ash for tea.” Berry made a grimace, and Jill and I groaned.
