you would like to be a veiled Turkish woman for the rest of your
life."

And Youghal gazed long and lovingly at his reflection in the
nearest mirror, as an antidote against possible incitements to
humility in the portrait gallery of fame.

Elaine felt a certain soothed satisfaction in the fact that this
young man, whose knowledge of the Middle East was an embarrassment
to Ministers at question time and in debate, was showing himself
equally well-informed on the subject of her culinary likes and
dislikes. If Suzette could have been forced to attend as a witness
at a neighbouring table she would have felt even happier.

"Did the head waiter ask if we were engaged?" asked Elaine, when
Courtenay had settled the bill, and she had finished collecting her
sunshade and gloves and other impedimenta from the hands of
obsequious attendants.

"Yes," said Youghal, "and he seemed quite crestfallen when I had to
say 'no.'"

"It would be horrid to disappoint him when he's looked after us so
charmingly," said Elaine; "tell him that we are."



CHAPTER X