``Nothing so far.'' Beaver looked at his watch. ``But I think it's time I had one. Brandy and ginger ale.''

Jock called the barman and then said:

``Who was the old girl you wished on me at that party last night?''

``She's called Lady Tipping.''

``I thought she might be. That explains it. They gave me a message downstairs that someone with a name like that wanted me to lunch with her.''

``Are you going?''

``No, I'm no good at lunch parties. Besides I decided when I got up that I'd have oysters here.''

The barman came with the drinks.

``Mr. Beaver, sir, there's ten shillings against you in my books for last month.''

``Ah, thank you, Macdougal, remind me some time, will you?''

``Very good, sir.''

Beaver said, ``I'm going to Hetton tomorrow.''

``Are you now? Give Tony and Brenda my love.''

``What's the form?''

``Very quiet and enjoyable.''

``No paper games?''

``Oh, no, nothing like that. A certain amount of bridge and backgammon and low poker with the neighbours.''

``Comfortable?''

``Not bad. Plenty to drink. Rather a shortage of bathrooms. You can stay in bed all the morning.''

``I've never met Brenda.''

``You'll like her, she's a grand girl. I often think Tony Last's one of the happiest men I know. He's got just enough money, loves the place, one son he's crazy about, devoted wife, not a worry in the world.''

``Most enviable. You don't know anyone else who's going, do you? I was wondering if I could get a lift down there.''

I don't I'm afraid. It's quite easy by train.''