Berry rose to his feet, and in a voice broken with emotion, called such shades of his ancestors "as are on night duty" to witness. "Hencefifth," he said, "I intend to lead a wicked life." "Blackpool--Conservative; no change," said Jonah. Berry ignored the interruption. "Virtue may have its own cakes and ale. I dare say it has. What of it? I never see any of them. Vice is more generous. Its patrons actually wallow in champagne. For me, the most beastly sandwiches I ever ate, and an expensive stall. For him, dinner with the prima donna and the Royal box. By the way, who did the girl mistake you for? One of the attendants or the business manager?" "Who was she?" said Jill. "I don't know." "Rot!" said Jonah. "It's the truth." "She looked rather a dear," said Daphne. "She is. You'll meet her to-morrow. And Berry--she wants to meet Berry. She said so." "There you are," said my brother-in-law. "Is my tie straight?" I lighted a cigarette to conceal a smile. CHAPTER XIV A PRIVATE VIEW When I had adjusted the cushions, I sank into the chair and sighed. "What's that for?" said Daphne "Sin," said I. "Whose?" "That of him who packed for me at the Blahs this morning. A sin of omission rather than commission, though he did put my sponge-bag into my collarcase," I added musingly. "They're both round, you see. Still, I pass that by." "But what do you really complain of?" said Jill. "He's left my dressing-gown out." "I expect he thought it was a loose cover," said Jonah. "It'll be sent on all right," said Daphne "That's nothing. What about my fan? You're not a bit sorry for me about that." "I have already been sorry about it. I was sorry for you on Friday just by the sideboard. I remember it perfectly. All the same, if you will waste Berry's substance at places of entertainment in the West End, and then fling a priceless heirloom down in the hall of the theatre, you mustn't be surprised if some flat-footed seeker after pleasure treads on it." "He was a very nice man, and his feet weren't a bit flat." "I believe you did it on purpose to get into conversation with him. Where's Berry?" At that moment the gentleman in question walked across the lawn towards us. "Thank Heaven!" he said when he saw me. "I'm so glad you're back. I've run out of your cigarettes." I handed him my case in silence. "It's curious," he said, "how used one can get to inferior tobacco." Tea appeared in serial form. After depositing the three-storied cake dish holder--or whatever the thing is called--with a to-be-completed air, the footman disappeared, to return a moment later with the teapot and hot water. As he turned to go: "Bring me the tray that's on the billiard-table," said Berry. "Carry it carefully." "Yes, sir.