At intervals, Gerald Wade said to Pongo:

“Well played, partner, jolly well played.”

Bill Eversleigh was making calculations with Ronny Devereux.

“Say he goes to bed about twelve⁠—what do you think we ought to give him⁠—about an hour?”

He yawned.

“Curious thing⁠—three in the morning is my usual time for bye-bye, but tonight, just because I know we’ve got to sit up a bit, I’d give anything to be a mother’s boy and turn in right away.”

Everyone agreed that they felt the same.

“My dear Maria,” rose the voice of Sir Oswald in mild irritation, “I have told you over and over again not to hesitate when you are wondering whether to finesse or not. You give the whole table information.”