It was you who introduced me to Ethne; I cannot forget it." Durrance set his glass down without any haste.

There followed a moment of silence, during which he sat with his eyes upon the tablecloth, and his hands resting on the table edge.
"Yes," he said in a level voice.

"I did you a good turn then." He seemed on the point of saying more, and doubtful how to say it.

But Captain Trench's sharp, quick, practical voice, a voice which fitted the man who spoke, saved him his pains.
"Will this make any difference ?" asked Trench.
Feversham replaced his cigar between his lips.
"You mean, shall I leave the service ?" he asked slowly.

"I don't know;" and Durrance seized the opportunity to rise from the table and cross to the window, where he stood with his back to his companions.