Captain Drake, I suppose we ought to call him, but he has dropped the Captain.' Mrs.Willoughby started and shot a bewildered glance at Mr.Le Mesurier.
'I like the man very much,' said Mr.Le Mesurier, with a touch of championship in his voice.

'You should meet him.

I am sure you would like him too.' Mrs.Willoughby made no answer to the suggestion, and resumed her dinner in silence, while Conway sang his usual paean of praise.

After a little she turned to Mallinson.
'Do you know this Mr.Drake ?' 'Yes, we were boys together in the same suburb before he went to Africa.
It was unfortunately through me that he was asked to this house.

I had mentioned him as a friend of mine at one time, and Miss Le Mesurier invited me to bring him on the day he reached London.' 'So soon as that! It's funny Clarice never mentioned him to me.