Laminoff made a deprecating gesture with a spade-shaped hand.
“I am embarrassed,” he said. “We are unpleasant, ignorant people. I shall commit suicide.” He chuckled with sudden happiness. “I talk like all the best plays.”
“Anything except divorce,” said Campion cheerfully. “Divorce and the joke’s over. I’d rather go back to my people.”
“Oh no.” Gaiogi was shocked. “No, no, we are not indecent. Good God, no. This is at least honest vulgarity. Mr Campion, will you come and stay in my house over the week end? I ask you so that, should I have need to call upon my guest for assistance, assistance he cannot by all the laws of hospitality refuse me, I shall have in him someone who will be an asset and not an encumbrance.”
He leant back and laughed until his eyes were shining with tears.
“I r
