He finished his liqueur and sat smoking with his eyes on the dark, sensitive face that watched the passing crowd so indifferently, yet so persistently.
Piers noticed his silence at last, and looked at him enquiringly.
"Shall we go ?" Crowther leaned slowly towards him.

The place was public, but their privacy was complete.
"Piers," he said, "may I take the privilege of an old friend ?" "You may take anything you like so far as I am concerned," said Piers impetuously.
Crowther smiled a little.

"Thank you.

Then I will go ahead.

Are you engaged to be married ?" "What ?" said Piers.