Hullo!" he broke off, "there's Louise," and to Peter's horror he half-rose and smiled across at a girl some few tables away.
She got up and came over, beamed on them all, and took the seat Alex vacated.

"Good-evening," she said, in fair English, scrutinising them.
"What is it you say, 'How's things' ?" Alex pressed a drink on her and beckoned the waiter.

She took a syrup, the rest martinis.

Peter sipped his, and watched her talking to Alex and Pennell.

The other Australian got up and crossed the room, and sat down with some other men.
The stories he had heard moved him profoundly.