I've left my parasol in the carriage, would you mind getting it for me?

Candy asked.

When Duff was gone Candy took Sean's arm. It's going to be a lovely

home. We're going to be very happy here. Have you two decided on a

date yet? Sean asked.

We want the house finished first so we can move straight in. I think

we'll make it some time in February next year. )

They reached the chapel and stopped in front of it. It's a sweet little

church. Candy spoke dreamily. And such a nice idea of Dufford's, a

special church of our own! Sean shuffled uncomfortably. Yes, he

agreed, it's a very romantic idea. He glanced over his shoulder and saw

Duff coming back with the parasol. Candy, it's none of my business. I

don't know anything about marriage, but I know about training horses you

break them to the halter before you put the saddle on their backs. I

don't follow you. Candy looked puzzled. What are you trying to say?

Nothing, just forget it. Here comes Duff. When they got back to the

hotel there was a note at the reception desk for Sean. They went

through into the main lounge and Candy went off to check the menu for

dinner.

Sean opened the envelope and read the note:I should like to meet you and

Mr Charleywood to discuss a matter of some importance. I will be at my

hotel after dinner this evening and hope that it will be convenient for

you to call on me then. N. Hradsky.

Sean passed the note across to Duff.

What do you suppose he wants? He has heard of your deadly skill as a

Klabejas player.

He wants to take -lessons, Duff answered. Shall we go? Of course. You

know I can't resist Norman's exhilarating company. It was a superb

dinner. The crayfish, packed in ice, had come up from Capetown by

express coach.

Candy, Sean and I are going across to see Hradsky.

We might be back a little late, Duff told her when they were finished.

As long as it's Hradsky, Candy smiled at him. Don't get lost, I have my

spies at the Opera House you know. Shall we take the carriage? Duff

asked Sean, and Sean noticed that he hadn't laughed at Candy's joke.

It's only two blocks, we might as well walk. They walked in silence.

Sean felt his dinner settling down comfortably inside him, he belched

softly and took another puff from his cigar. When they had almost

reached the Grand National Hotel Duff spoke.

Sean. . . He stopped.

Yes? Sean prompted him.

About Candy. . . He stopped again.

She's a fine girl, Sean prompted again. Yes, she's a fine girl. Is

that all you wanted to say? Well, oh!

never mind. Let's go and see what Saul and David want.

Max met them at the door of Hradsky's suite. Good evening, gentlemen, I

am so pleased you could come. Hello, Max. Duff went past him to where

Hradsky was standing in front of the fireplace. Norman, my dear fellow,

how are you?

Hradsky nodded an acknowledgement and Duff took hold of the lapels of

Hradsky's coat and adjusted them carefully; then he picked an imaginary

piece of fluff off his shoulder. You have a way with clothes, Norman.

Don't you agree that Norman has a way with clothes, Sean? I know of no

one else who can put on a twenty-guinea suit and make it look like a

half-filled-bag of oranges. He patted Hradsky's arm affectionately.

Yes, thank you, I will have a drink. He went across to the liquor

cabinet and poured one for himself. Now, what can you gentlemen do for

me?

Max glanced at Hradsky and Hradsky nodded.