Chapter 5
Indecision had never been one of Francis Ledsam’s faults, but
four times during the following day he wrote out a carefully worded
telegraphic message to Mrs. Oliver Hilditch, 10 b, Hill Street,
regretting his inability to dine that night, and each time he
destroyed it. He carried the first message around Richmond golf
course with him, intending to dispatch his caddy with it
immediately on the conclusion of the round. The fresh air, however,
and the concentration required by the game, seemed to dispel the
nervous apprehensions with which he had anticipated his visit, and
over an aperitif in the club bar he tore the telegram into small
pieces and found himself even able to derive a certain half-fearful
pleasure from the thought of meeting again the woman who, together
