“Hullo, my sweet,” I said. “And how do you feel?” “I am only just up,” she said, “and I am perfectly well. But how are you, my darling? You do not look as you did at The Vat of Melody.” “I’m quite all right,” I said. “But I think I shall always be tired for the rest of my life. Send me Bell, will you, sweetheart? And come back in half an hour.” “I’m here, sir,” said Bell, from behind me. “You’re sure you’re all night?” “As good as new, Bell. Did I look very bad?” Bell spoke between his teeth. “Never again, sir,” he said. “I’ll never let you out of my sight.” “Never again,” I said. “I promise you that. By the way, are the gems all right?” “Under that blanket, sir.” Whilst I was making my toilet, Palin arrived. “If the half,” he said, “of what Colette says is true, I ought to have left my shoes outside your tent.” Razor in hand— “I’ll overlook it,” I said. “And what do you know?” “No more than you do,”
