Then voices were heard from within and the door was suddenly opened.

Captain Granet emerged and crossed the room, hobbling slightly towards his visitor.
"Awfully sorry to keep you like this," he remarked pleasantly.

"The fact is I'd just got into my bath." "I ought to apologise," his visitor replied, "for calling at such a time." "Glad to see you, anyway," the other declared, pausing at his smoking-cabinet and bringing out some cigarettes.

"Try one of these, won't you ?" "Not just now, thanks." There was a moment's pause.

Major Thomson seemed in no hurry to explain himself.
"Jolly luncheon party, wasn't it ?" Granet remarked, lighting a cigarette for himself with some difficulty.