The two in the corner might be married. You
never know nowadays."
He became reflective....
After lunch and coffee he rowed the doctor up the river towards
Cliveden.
"The last time I was here," he said, returning to the subject, "I was
here on a temporary honeymoon."
The doctor tried to look as though he had not thought that could be
possible.
"I know my Maidenhead fairly well," said Sir Richmond. "Aquatic
activities, such as rowing, punting, messing about with a boat-hook,
tying up, buzzing about in motor launches, fouling other people's boats,
are merely the stage business of the drama. The ruling interests of this
place are love--largely illicit--and persistent drinking.... Don't you
think the bridge charming from here?"
"I shouldn't have thought--drinking," said Dr. Martineau, after he had
done justice to the bridge over his shoulder.
"Yes, the place has a floating population of quiet industrious soakers.
The incurable river man and the river girl end at that."
Dr. Martineau encouraged Sir Richmond by an appreciative silence.
"If we are to explore the secret places of the heart," Sir Richmond went
on, "we shall have to give some attention to this Maidenhead side of
life. It is very material to my case. I have,--as I have said--BEEN
HERE.
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