They sat down. Callaghan ordered cocktails; asked the waiter to do the best he could about supper.
When the cocktails were brought, Manon Gardell produced a cigarette-case. She offered it to Callaghan, took one herself. As he lit their cigarettes, she said:
'It must be exciting being a private detective, Mr. Callaghan.' She smiled. 'I suppose a lot of people have told you that?'
Callaghan said: 'Excitement's a matter of comparison. I don't suppose it's any more exciting being a detective than anything else. One gets used to it.'
'Does one?' she said. 'Does even the parade of the weaknesses and sins of humanity become boring?'
Callaghan said: 'Private detectives aren't interested in the weaknesses and sins of humanity. They're concerned to get a case finished.' He grinned. 'The part th
