Chapter SixteenWhittlebait Wins A Bet
They decided to have lunch at the red brick hotel with the potted shrubs in front of it. First, though, they unearthed Timkins, the plumber, and Timkins said he’d be over either late that afternoon or next morning. After lunch they did a spot of shopping and looked in at the post office, all of which made Tim feel like a burgher of the community. It was a feeling he enjoyed, for a change.
It was almost two when they got back to Merry Point. After the rain and the chill, the house, as they entered the hallway, felt warm and soothing.
“Darling,” cried Sybil, “isn’t it good to be home! Let’s jump straight into bed for the afternoon.”
A loud and disapproving harrumph crackled out of the living-room. Standing in front of the fireplace was a tall, broad-
