‘Do you mind telling us where you have been?’ Dr Ackrington continued.

‘Pohutukawa Bay.’

‘But you were on the Peak road.’

‘I know I was. I thought I’d just take a run along the Peak road before I came home.’

‘You’d been to Pohutukawa Bay?’

‘I’m telling you I went there.’

‘To see the trees in flower?’

‘My God, why shouldn’t I go to see the pootacows! It’s a great sight, isn’t it? Hundreds of people go, don’t they? If you must know I thought it would be a nice little run for Mr Gaunt. I thought I’d take a look-see if they were in full bloom before suggesting he went over there.’

‘But you must have heard that there is no bloom this year on the pohutukawas. Everybody’s talking about it.’

For some inexplicable reason Questing looked pleased. ‘I hadn’t heard,’ he said quickly. ‘I was astonished when I got there. It’s very, very disappointing. Just too bad.’

Dr Ackrington, also, looked pleased. He got up and stood with his back to Questing, his eyes fixed triumphantly on his brother-in-law.

‘Yes, but I don’t know what the devil you’re getting at, both of you,’ Colonel Claire complained. ‘I’ve been—’

‘Do me the extraordinary kindness to hold your tongue, Edward.’

‘Look here, James!’

‘Cut it out, Dad,’ said Simon. He looked at his uncle. ‘I reckon I’m satisfied,’ he said roughly.

‘I am obliged to you. Thank you, Mr Questing. I fancy we need detain you no longer.’

Questing drew at his cigar, exhaled a long dribble of smoke and remained where he was. ‘Wait a bit, wait a bit,’ he said, speaking in the best tradition of the cinema boss. ‘You’re satisfied, huh? OK. That’s fine. That’s swell. What about me? Just because I’ve got an instinct about the right way to behave when we’ve distinguished guests among us, you think you can get away with dynamite. I’ve tried to save Mr Gaunt the embarrassment of this scene. I apologize to Mr Gaunt. I’d like him to know that when I’ve taken over this joint the resemblance to a giggle-house will fade out automatically.’ He walked to the door. ‘But we must have an exit line,’ Gaunt muttered. Questing turned. ‘And just in case you didn’t hear me, Claire,’ he said magnificently, ‘I said when and not if. Good evening.’

He did his best to slam the door but true to the tradition of the house it jammed halfway and he wisely made no second attempt. He walked slowly past the windows with his thumbs in the armholes of his waistcoat, making much of his cigar.