Just as it would surely have been endorsed by that wider body of
Forsytes all over London, who were merely excluded from judgment by
ignorance of the story.
In spite then of Emily's efforts, the dinner was served by Warmson and
the footman almost in silence. Dartie was sulky, and drank all he could
get; the girls seldom talked to each other at any time. James asked once
where June was, and what she was doing with herself in these days.
No one could tell him. He sank back into gloom. Only when Winifred
recounted how little Publius had given his bad penny to a beggar, did he
brighten up.
"Ah!" he said, "that's a clever little chap. I don't know what'll become
of him, if he goes on like this. An intelligent little chap, I call
him!" But it was only a flash.
The courses succeeded one another solemnly, under the electric light,
which glared down onto the table, but barely reached the principal
ornament of the walls, a so-called 'Sea Piece by Turner,' almost
entirely composed of cordage and drowning men.
Champagne was handed, and then a bottle of James' prehistoric port, but
as by the chill hand of some skeleton.
At ten o'clock Soames left; twice in reply to questions, he had said
that Irene was not well; he felt he could no longer trust himself.
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