"But if some one does?"

"I shall have already left the country."

This was too much for Daphne, and she asked Jonah to come and
help her to get some mussels. They walked away together.

"What on earth does she want mussels for?" said I.

"The garden paths," said Berry. "Our cobbles aren't wearing at
all well."

I turned to the Mermaid. She was chattering away to Jill, with
her back towards me. Over her shoulder, Jill's grey eyes
regarded me wistfully. I made a rapid calculation. Yes, the
porter ought to have arrived by now. I had told him to keep out
of sight till I called him.

I waited until Daphne and Jonah came strolling back empty-handed.
They had forgotten about the mussels. Daphne's brows were
knitted, and Jonah was looking ruefully at the sun. It was
getting on for half-past three. One could guess that much.

I rose and picked up my coat."I say, aren't you ever going to
dress any more?" I said.

Daphne swallowed before replying, and with the tail of my eye I
saw Berry start and wreck six inches of architecture. Then :