slightest soupcon of shadow about that broad, calm brow.'




7. Going into Winter Quarters


There was.

Mr Rossiter had discovered Psmith's and Mike's absence about five
minutes after they had left the building. Ever since then, he had been
popping out of his lair at intervals of three minutes, to see whether
they had returned. Constant disappointment in this respect had rendered
him decidedly jumpy. When Psmith and Mike reached the desk, he was a
kind of human soda-water bottle. He fizzed over with questions,
reproofs, and warnings.

'What does it mean? What does it mean?' he cried. 'Where have you been?
Where have you been?'

'Poetry,' said Psmith approvingly.

'You have been absent from your places for over half an hour. Why? Why?
Why? Where have you been? Where have you been? I cannot have this. It
is preposterous. Where have you been? Suppose Mr Bickersdyke had
happened to come round here. I should not have known what to say to
him.'

'Never an easy man to chat with, Comrade Bickersdyke,' agreed Psmith.