The place was full, and they wandered about looking for a table, catching odds and ends of conversation as they did so.

“And⁠—do you know, she sat down and cried when I told her she couldn’t have the flat after all.” “It was simply a bargain , my dear! Just like the one Mabel Lewis brought from Paris⁠—”

“Funny scraps one does overhear,” murmured Tommy. “I passed two Johnnies in the street today talking about someone called Jane Finn. Did you ever hear such a name?”

But at that moment two elderly ladies rose and collected parcels, and Tuppence deftly ensconced herself in one of the vacant seats.

Tommy ordered tea and buns. Tuppence ordered tea and buttered toast.