A moment later Mills ushered in their guest.

He was still wearing his bandage, but his colour had returned.

He seemed, in fact, almost gay.
"Nothing has happened, then ?" Philippa demanded anxiously, as soon as the door was closed.
"Nothing at all," he assured them.

"Our friend Griffiths is terribly afraid of making a mistake." "So afraid that he wouldn't come and dine.

Never mind, you'll have to take care of us both," she added, as Mills announced dinner.
"I'll do my best," he promised, offering his arm.
If the sword of Damocles were indeed suspended over their heads, it seemed only to heighten the merriment of their little repast.