Chapter 25: Social Amenities

⁠​​​‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌⁠On the eve of Danbazzar’s return, Barry ran into his acquaintance, the irrigation specialist, in the lounge of the hotel.

“Hullo!” said that chronically bored person, dropping into a neighbouring armchair. “I’ve only just come in from Assouan, but I heard you were back. How’s the oasis lookin’?”

“Splendid,” Barry returned hastily, hoping that the other had forgotten about the dates. “Dry Martini?”

“T