collarless; a bath towel was thrown over his shoulder. He advanced
to Mavis in leisurely fashion.

"Bother the man!" she thought.

"May I introduce myself?" he asked, as he lifted his hat.

"No, thank you," she replied coldly.

"There's no occasion. We've already met," he continued.

"I'm sure we haven't, and I haven't the least wish to know you."

"Rot! I'm Charlie Perigal."

"Charlie Perigal!"

"Yes. And how is little Mavis after all these years? But there's
little need to ask."

Here he stared at her with an immense admiration in his eyes.




CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHARLIE PERIGAL