Susan followed.

Mr.Venning strolled after her.

Portuguese military families, their clothes suggesting late rising in untidy bedrooms, trailed across, attended by confidential nurses carrying noisy children.

As midday drew on, and the sun beat straight upon the roof, an eddy of great flies droned in a circle; iced drinks were served under the palms; the long blinds were pulled down with a shriek, turning all the light yellow.

The clock now had a silent hall to tick in, and an audience of four or five somnolent merchants.