Читать книгу Unconditional Surrender онлайн

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"...You know how sharp the royal eye is for any detail of equipment," he was saying. "The monarch sent for one of those daggers. That's what set the royal mind brooding about cutlery."

"It's been a great success."

"Yes, I claim a little indirect credit for it myself. 'Evening Guy. Who do you think has just turned me out of my house?--Virginia."

"How was she?"

"On the rocks. I only saw her for a second but she was palpably on the rocks. I'd heard some loose talk about her affairs before."

"I'll give you a drink," said Guy. "It's my birthday. Two glasses of wine, Parsons."

Guy did not speak about the Electronic Selector but the thought of it warmed him as they talked of other things. When their glasses were empty the Grenadier said: "Did someone say it was his birthday? Three glasses of wine, Parsons."

When it would have been Ian's turn to order, he said: "They've put up the prices. Ten bob a glass for this champagne now and it's not good. Why don't you come to Everard Spruce's and drink free?"