It was she who rose and spoke first a little nervously.

“You must be very surprised to see me. But I had to come. I’ll explain in a minute. This is Lady Eileen Brent.”

“Bundle⁠—that’s what I’m usually known as. You’ve probably heard of me from Bill Eversleigh.”

“Oh, rather, of course I have,” said Jimmy, endeavouring to cope with the situation. “I say, do sit down and let’s have a cocktail or something.”

But both girls declined.

“As a matter of fact,” continued Jimmy, “I’m only just out of bed.”

“That’s what Bill said,” remarked Bundle. “I told him I was coming round to see you, and he said you wouldn’t be up.”

“Well, I’m up now,” said Jimmy encouragingly.