Дживс, вы – гений! / Thank you, Jeeves!

“I consider that you would be taking a decided risk, sir.”

“No, Jeeves, I desire no further discussion. The thing is settled[56 - The thing is settled. – Дело решено.]. All that remains is to fix the time. I suppose lunch would be over by about two-thirty … Incidentally, I’m not going in to lunch myself.”

“No, sir?”

“No. I cannot face that gang. I shall remain out here. Bring me some sandwiches and some beer.”

“Very good, sir.”

“Put plenty of mustard on the sandwiches.”

“Very good, sir.”

“And at two-thirty inform Miss Stoker that I would like a word with her. And at two-thirty-one inform Lord Chuffnell that she would like a word with him. The rest you can leave to me.”

“Very good, sir.”

6

Complications

Jeeves returned with the sandwiches.

“So, Jeeves, did hear anything?”

“Yes, sir. Mr Stoker was inviting all those present to a party on his yacht.”

“What party?”

“It appears that it is Master Dwight Stoker’s birthday tomorrow, sir. The party, I gathered, was to be in celebration of the event.”

“And was the suggestion well received?”

“Extremely, sir. But Master Seabury did not like Master Dwight’s arrogant assertion that this was the first time that Master Seabury had ever seen a yacht.”

“What did he say?”

“He retorted that he had been on millions of yachts. Indeed, if I am not mistaken, trillions was the word he employed.”

“And then?”

“Master Dwight was sceptical concerning this claim. But at this moment Mr Stoker announced his intention of hiring the troupe of negro minstrels to perform at the party.”

“And that went well?”

“Very well, indeed, sir. Except that Master Seabury said that he was sure Master Dwight had never heard negro minstrels before. Master Dwight had then thrown a potato at Master Seabury.”

“I wish somebody would and chain those kids up. They’ll spoil the whole thing.”

“Master Dwight said that his hand had slipped, and the apology was gracefully received.”

“Well, go back and see if you can hear some more.”

“Very good, sir.”

I finished my sandwiches and beer, wishing that I had told Jeeves to bring me some coffee. But you don’t have to tell Jeeves things like that. He came back with the steaming cupful.

“Luncheon has just concluded, sir.”

“Ah! Did you see Miss Stoker?”

“Yes, sir. I informed her that you desired a word with her, and she will be here shortly.”

“Why not now?”

“His lordship engaged her in conversation immediately after I had given her your message.”

“Had you told him to come here, too?”

“Yes, sir.”

“No good, Jeeves. They will arrive together.”

“No, sir. If so, I can easily detain him for a moment on some matter.”

“When did you see Miss Stoker?”

“About a quarter of an hour ago, sir.”

“Ah!”

I had observed a gleam of white among the bushes. The next moment, the girl appeared. She was looking more beautiful than ever, her eyes, in particular, shining like twin stars.

“Hallo, Bertie,” said Pauline. “Are you really having a headache? You seem to have been doing yourself pretty well, in spite of it.”

“Oh … You had better take these things back, Jeeves.”

“Very good, sir.”

“And if his lordship should want me, I’m here.”

“Yes, sir.”

He gathered up the plate, cup and bottle and disappeared.

Pauline had grabbed my arm.

“Bertie—” she was saying