“Let’s challenge those two,” said Bundle. “Loraine, Mr. O’Rourke and I want to take you and Mr. Bateman on at clock golf.”
“Do play, Mr. Bateman,” said Lady Coote, as the secretary showed a momentary hesitation. “I’m sure Sir Oswald doesn’t want you.”
The four went out on the lawn.
“Very cleverly managed, what?” whispered Bundle to Loraine. “Congratulations on our girlish tact.”
The round ended just before one o’clock, victory going to Bateman and Loraine.
“But I think you’ll agree with me, partner,” said Mr. O’Rourke, “that we played a more sporting game.”
He lagged a little behind with Bundle.
“Old Pongo’s a cautious player—he takes no risks. Now, with me it’s neck or nothing. And a fine motto through life, don’t you agree, Lady Eileen?”
“Hasn’t it ever landed you in trouble?” asked Bundle, laughing.
“To be sure it has. Millions of times. But I’m still going strong. Sure, it’ll take the hangman’s noose to defeat Terence O’Rourke.”
Just then Jimmy Thesiger strolled round the corner of the house.
“Bundle, by all that’s wonderful!” he exclaimed.
“You’ve missed competing in the Autumn Meeting,” said O’Rourke.
“I’d gone for a stroll,” said Jimmy. “Where did these girls drop from?”
“We came on our flat feet,” said Bundle. “The Hispano let us down.”