The situation was perplexing, in a sense ominous, yet it had to be faced.

He held the instrument to his ear.
"Hullo?
Who's that ?" he enquired.
"That Mr.Romilly ?" was the reply, in a man's pleasant voice.

"Mr.
Douglas Romilly ?" "Yes!" "Good! I'm Gayes--Mr.Gayes of Gayes Brothers.

My people wrote me last night from Leicester that you would be here this morning.

You are crossing, aren't you, on the _Elletania_ ?" Philip remained monosyllabic.
"Yes," he admitted cautiously.
"Can't you come round and see us this morning ?" Mr.Gayes invited.