Clementine Greengrass was not nearly as wise as to the ways of the world as she might have liked, but she did know a hangover when it was sat across from her. This could be to her benefit: perhaps Ford would give in just to be rid of her. Alternatively, he could be much surlier.

"Oh, I shan't trouble you long, then," Clem said kindly. "Only, I had rather a time-sensitive matter to discuss?"