He took
the banana in a detached manner, as it to convey the idea that it
did not commit him to any particular course of conduct. It was a
good banana, and he stretched out a hand for the other. Elizabeth
sat down beside him, but he did not move. He was convinced now of
her good intentions. It was thus that Lord Dawlish found them when
he came in from the garden.
'Where has your brother gone to?' he asked. 'He passed me just now
at eight miles an hour. Great Scot! What's that?'
'It's a monkey. Don't frighten him; he's rather nervous.'
She tickled Eustace under the ear, for their relations were now
friendly.
'Nutty went for a walk because he thought he saw it.'
'Thought he saw it?'
'Thought he saw it,' repeated Elizabeth, firmly. 'Will you
remember, Mr Chalmers, that, as far as he is concerned, this
monkey has no existence?'
'I don't understand.'
Elizabeth explained.
'You see now?'
'I see. But how long are you going to keep the animal?'
'Just a day or two--in case.'
'Where are you going to keep it?'
'In the outhouse. Nutty never goes there, it's too near the
bee-hives.'
'I suppose you don't know who the owner is?'
'Yes, I do; it must be Lady Wetherby.'
'Lady Wetherby!'
'She's a woman who dances at one of the restaurants.
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