‘You think Lady Grayle will be pleased—eh?’

‘Oh no, I shouldn’t say that, Sir George. You see, nothing would please her. That’s the real truth of it. By the way, she sent me with a message to you. She wants you to get rid of this extra passenger.’

Sir George’s jaw dropped. ‘How can I? What could I say to the fellow?’

‘Of course you can’t.’ Elsie MacNaughton’s voice was brisk and kindly. ‘Just say there was nothing to be done.’

She added encouragingly, ‘It will be all right.’

‘You think it will, eh?’ His face was ludicrously pathetic.

Elsie MacNaughton’s voice was still kinder as she said: ‘You really must not take these things to heart, Sir George. It’s just health, you know. Don’t take it seriously.’

‘You think she’s really bad, nurse?’

A shadow crossed the nurse’s face. There was something odd in her voice as she answered: ‘Yes, I—I don’t quite like her condition. But please don’t worry, Sir George. You mustn’t. You really mustn’t.’ She gave him a friendly smile and went out.

Pamela came in, very languid and cool in her white.

‘Hallo, Nunks.’

‘Hallo, Pam, my dear.’

‘What have you got there? Oh, nice!’

‘Well, I’m so glad you think so. Do you think your aunt will think so, too?’

‘She’s incapable of liking anything. I can’t think why you married the woman, Nunks.’

Sir George was silent. A confused panorama of unsuccessful racing, pressing creditors and a handsome if domineering woman rose before his mental vision.

‘Poor old dear,’ said Pamela. ‘I suppose you had to do it. But she does give us both rather hell, doesn’t she?’

‘Since she’s been ill—’ began Sir George.

Pamela interrupted him.

‘She’s not ill! Not really. She can always do anything she wants to. Why, while you were up at Assouan she was as merry as a—a cricket. I bet you Miss MacNaughton knows she’s a fraud.’

‘I don’t know what we’d do without Miss MacNaughton,’ said Sir George with a sigh.

‘She’s an efficient creature,’ admitted Pamela. ‘I don’t exactly dote on her as you do, though, Nunks. Oh, you do! Don’t contradict. You think she’s wonderful. So she is, in a way. But she’s a dark horse. I never know what she’s thinking. Still, she manages the old cat quite well.’

‘Look here, Pam, you mustn’t speak of your aunt like that. Dash it all, she’s very good to you.’

‘Yes, she pays all our bills, doesn’t she? It’s a hell of a life, though.’

Sir George passed on to a less painful subject. ‘What are we to do about this fellow who’s coming on the trip? Your aunt wants the boat to herself.’