Naiade oil painting

Thank you. I should like a gin and vermouth."
　　Colonel Luscombe looked at her rather doubtfully. Hesupposed girls of – what was she? – Sixteen? Seventeen? – did drink gin and vermouth.But he reassured himself that Elvira knew, so to speak, correct Greenwich social time. Heordered a gin and vermouth and a dry sherry.
　　He cleared his throat and asked:
　　"How was Italy?"
　　"Very nice, thank you."
　　"And the place you were at, the Contessa what's-her-name? Not too grim?"
　　"She is rather strict. But I didn't let that worry me."
　　He looked at her, not quite sure whether the replywas not slightly ambiguous.
　　He said, stammering a little, but with a morenatural