She looked into her glass and without thinking drank it empty.
“That’s it,” said Dane bitterly, speaking for the first time. “That’s the only answer.” And he finished his own glass and refilled it.
“You knew him?” She turned her sorry eyes upon him.
“Yes, knew him well,” he said irritably, and looked away from her.
“He’s gone to the hospital, I suppose,” she said to Mac.
“Yes. Lorrimer went too, with Doc Steele.”
They all ate in silence for some minutes. Valerie felt depressed herself now. “I can never get used to accidents,” she said gloomily. “Such a waste of human material.”
“Plenty more to take its place, don’t worry.” Mac continued to eat with superb indifference.
Dane beckoned to Michael and ordered more wine. When it came he reached for her glass.
“Oh, please, not any more for me,” she said quickly.
He shot a look at her. The champagne was working in him. “Be a sport. Of course you will have some more.” He filled her glass.
Mac raised his, drinking for the first time. “Here’s long life to you both,” he said. It sounded as if he were proposing a matrimonial toast. Valerie compressed her lips, and a flicker of amusement crossed Dane’s eyes.
“Not long life, Mac, but full life, eh, Miss Freedom?” And for the first time he looked at Valerie as if he really saw her.
She nodded, smiling at him as if she would make him forget.
Then Dane began to eat a little and to talk, and the
