The Jameson position, too, required concentration. The partnership deed between Peter and Simpson—a deed by which in case of one’s death the survivor could retain all the capital in the firm, paying out only interest—had expired. Under the peculiar circumstances, Peter wanted it to continue as before, for the “duration.” He was heavily insured, heavily enough to make good the Nirvana loss: and the balance of his fortune, should he be killed, would be safe under Simpson’s management. Simpson objected. “In the unlikely event of _his_ dying, with Peter still on service, who would manage the business?” They compromised by renewing for two years, subject only to the condition that, if Simpson died first, Peter must pay out his widow in cash. “Payment to be made within twelve months of the valuation of the estate being completed.” And then there was the irritation of Beckmanns. Try as Simpson would to replace it, many customers still insisted on the brand. Hartopp (_geborener_ Hagenburg) in particular! Hartopp’s turnover had increased threefold. “How he disposes of the stuff,” said Simpson, “is a perfect mystery. I believe myself that half of the cases we ship to Copenhagen and Amsterdam for him, eventually find their way to Germany. But what can I do? The man’s got a Government export-licence—and I can’t stop him taking advantage of it.” “How much does he owe us?” asked Peter. “Five thousand at the moment: but I’ve got some big orders pending.” “You’re sure he’s all right.” “Absolutely.” Simpson wagged brown beard. “He’s paying at ninety days to the second.” For the past year, thanks to seven warless months of excellent trading, Jamesons had made almost their usual profits: but Peter’s capital account—with the closing of the Nirvana gamble and the money lent to his brother Arthur—showed a big drop; stood at considerably less than twenty thousand pounds. It seemed only prudent to try and let furnished the house in Lowndes Square. The Rawlings’, hourly more prosperous, would have taken it gladly: but Peter refused to negotiate with them. Eventually he secured as tenant from March quarter-day a prominent Belgian _embusqué_ whose rent barely covered expenses. Add to these circumstances the arrival of Arthur Jameson, demanding assistance of every kind from the loan of a dress-suit to the introductions necessary for a commission in the Flying Corps—and it will be seen that Peter’s civilian occupations (though he was honestly pleased to see his brother again) were neither pleasant nor unstrenuous. § 2 Patricia felt she could help but little, console even less. For it must be remembered that all such difficulties were dealt with in days of leave, extorted from a sulkily-reluctant Adjutant; failing that extortion, by telegraph, letter and long-distance telephone. The bulk of those two months, Peter had to live with his regiment. And the regiment provided no antidote for annoyances.