The Pleasure Cruise Mystery Read Online Free PDF Page A

the joyous pop of a wine cork came to the surface of this murmurous tide of sound; waiters hurried to and fro or bent attentively to take their orders; the wine steward, wearing his chain and key of office, moved with the dignity of a mayor; the maitre d’hôtel sauntered about, keeping deftly clear of his staff, a prandial commander-in-chief, his dark eye taking in every detail of his well planned campaign. Ricardo was critically studying the menu. Vereker was gazing interestedly at the little groups of people that moved together to their tables and then suddenly sank out of his sight into their seats.
    â€œYes, consommé printanier royale sounds a good foundation, and then suprême de barbue à l’anglaise to follow,” said Manuel with gusto to himself. Turning to Vereker he exclaimed, “By Jove, Algernon, eating’s a great game played in moderation. I wish you’d attend to business instead of gazing yearningly at the beautiful feminine back at the next table. Your chit for a bottle of wine wouldn’t be out of order.”
    â€œBeing lazy and ignorant, I’ll leave you to conduct the meal, Ricky. I’ll follow your lead. What on earth are paupiettes of Dover Sole?”
    â€œGod alone knows, but don’t ask Him. They’ll be Dover sole anyhow, and that’s good enough to take a running jump at. Ah, there’s Miss Penteado just come in. That claret-coloured gown shows off her dark beauty to perfection. What art—only one large ruby ring!”
    Vereker glanced towards the entrance to the dining saloon and saw Miss Penteado, accompanied by her mother and the gentleman with the conspicuous diamond ring, moving leisurely to her table. A moment later a figure in pale blue georgette followed.
    â€œThere’s Mrs. Mesado, Algernon!” exclaimed Ricardo in an eager whisper. “Beautiful but marmoreal. Still, with a breath of romance she might come to life. I prescribe Heidsieck when you’ve got past the prologue and first chapters with her. She’s positively lit up with diamonds; her necklace would keep me in luxury for the rest of my life. She has joined the Colvins. Damn this table; we’re a million light years away from them. If she’s not a widow she ought to be for the duration of the cruise. It’s not fair for such a lovely creature to entrench herself behind her marriage lines.”
    â€œWhat are you choosing to follow the fish?” asked Vereker, not deeply interested in the doings of Mrs. Mesado and her companions.
    â€œ Chapon de France rôti , my lad, and then crêpes au citron , devilled sardines on toast, coffee and an orange curaçao with a nip of old brandy. I reckon that’s fairly sound architecture.”
    â€œOrder the same for me, Ricky. And what on earth are you going to do with yourself after dinner? I’m bored with this cruise already; there’s absolutely nothing to do!”
    â€œNothing to do? Why, there’s conversation in the lounge; there’s a card room; you can pirouette on the light fantastic in the ballroom; you can lose money at the diddler machines, if you enjoy losing money. If you’re merely out for a restful time, I can give you a packet of chewing gum and you can sit in your cabin and read Professor Dorsey’s Why We Behave Like Human Beings . It’s science with a pizzicato touch and goes down well with chewing gum. I’ll lend it to you if you’ll promise to be good and not cry any more.”
    â€œI suppose you’ll be found in the ballroom if wanted?”
    â€œCertainly, if Miss Penteado dances. I’d like to hold the floor with her and dance a Tango Ranchera. It’s the nearest thing in human life to a dance of the butterflies. Most significant, Algernon, most significant! You’d enjoy the symbolism. You needn’t want me unless you’re prepared to stand iced fizz. Friendships are tested by time, and as you know time’s