Will you stay ?" Lister excused himself and went back to the Tecumseh, where the bill of fare was frugal and the serving rude.

He imagined he had refused much more than a first-class supper, but was satisfied he had taken the proper line.

For one thing, Duveen knew Ruth had given him her friendship and, since he knew his daughter, it was significant that he had not thought it necessary to meddle.

Lister wondered whether he had meant to use him, and was glad he had kept his independence.

If he got the post now, he would know he had rather misjudged Duveen, but he doubted.