Nothing

"Oh my God you appal me" John Pomfret cried, with signs of agitation.

"Could go either way with her, for or against" said Richard in what seemed to be great satisfaction. Upon which Mr Pomfret took his guest to the bar, they fell in with friends and dined in a party. No more was said of the engagement that night MR WEATHERBY and Miss Pomfret were in the saloon bar of the public house they used in Knightsbridge. Their becoming engaged to be married had not made the smallest difference in either's manner or appearance. As usual they sat over two light ales and, when they talked, spoke for a time almost in asides to one another.

"You know my blue hat darling?" she asked.

"Which one?" he vaguely said.

Mary gave a short technical description.

"Well I might" he admitted but did not seem as if he could.

"Your mother doesn't like it."

"I don't know that I care for many of hers."

"D'you think I dress horribly badly darling?"

"Why Mary you must be sure I don't."

"Because you see I'm wearing everything I've got for you now darling or almost, and I'd like to get some idea of what you feel suits me if we are to buy all these clothes."

"What Clothes?"

"Frocks. Dresses. Trousseau. Getting married you know."

"Sorry darling. I've never done this sort of thing before. I wasn't thinking."

"Nor me! The trouble is Philip these older women have and do, they've got us at advantage."

"Your father doesn't like my headgear either."

"Daddy? He's never said a word."

"He has to me."

"How did he object?"

"Artistic was the word he used."

"Oh dear I'm really sorry darling because I always think Daddy's the best-dressed man I meet, of his own generation of course."

"Well I rather fancy the way Mamma gets herself up sometimes."

Miss Pomfret laughed.

"I'll tell you what" she said. "This conversation's becoming almost barbed isn't it?"

He gave a wry smile. "Might be" he agreed.

She took his hand under the table, stroked the ring finger with her thumb. A silence drew across them.

She watched a couple up at the bar with a miniature poodle on a stool in between. Its politeness and general agitation appeared half human. But when a man came in with a vast brindled bull terrier on a lead as thick as an ox's tail the smaller dog turned her back to the drinks ignored her owners at once, and gazed at the killer with thrilled lacklustre eyes. For his part the bull terrier lay down as soon as the man on the other end of his lead would let him, and, with an air of acute embarrassment gazed hard at the poodle, then away again, then, as though he could not help it, back once more. He started to whine Miss Pomfret smiled. The other occupants began paying attention to these interested animals.

"Rather sweet isn't he?" she said.

"Who? Your father?"

"Oh no, Daddy always is. The bull terrier I mean."

"So long as he doesn't take it into his head to murder that other wretched brute in front of our very eyes."

"But he won't Philip. She's a lady."

"I've known it happen."

"The man who's with him's got him safe."

"They'll do something crazy to let them meet before the evening's out. We'll see blood spilt yet" he opined.

"Philip darling do you like dogs?" she inquired.

"I do and I don't" he said.

"Because I was thinking when we were married I'd rather love to have one for my owns."

"Might be a bit awkward if we both went out every day to work."

"Oh I expect the landlady would look after things."

"I wonder" he said.

She dropped his hand.

"You're in rather a filthy mood this evening" she re marked.

He drew himself up to finish his glass of beer.

"I'm sorry Mary" he said and appeared to be so. "I say, I saw Uncle Ned at tea today."

"What, did he come round?"

"To Mamma's? Good Lord no. I went to him."

"Was he pleased about us?"

"D'you know I didn't dare tell."

"Not dare tell him!" she echoed. "That's not very nice to me, now then?"

"Oh it wasn't that. It simply seems he detests Mamma and won't have her mentioned in his presence hardly. Seemed very surprised when I sent up my name. Even told me he'd been in two minds whether to say he was not at home. Me, his nephew!"

She laughed. "But perhaps he was busy darling."

"No Mary it's no laughing matter. And when I can't remember ever having met the man. You'd think he'd have some family sense! And then when he started on Mamma like that!"

"Oh I am so sorry Philip. What on earth did he say?"

"Nothing much actually. I came away with the idea that he really must be rather mad. In fact of course I had to stand up for her and so on. But that it should happen at a time like this, with marriage on our hands! After all a wedding is a family affair isn't it?"

"Of course darling" she agreed with every appearance of concern, took his hand back in her own under the table and began to squeeze it hard. "Oh dear you mustn't get upset."

"It all came as a bit of a shock" he said.

"But Philip you'd seen him before?"

"Never that I remember."

"And there was Daddy telling me yon went to your Uncle Ned's tailor."

"Well I do."

"Then you must have met your uncle first for him to recommend you."

"Mamma gave me the name. My father went there too."

"Oh of course darling. How silly of me!"

"What on earth was your parent doing to talk to you about my tailor?"

"Oh nothing realty."

"Doesn't he like the suits I wear either?" the young man asked.

"You mustn't bother about Daddy darling. He's tremendously of his own generation can't you see? I expect in their day it was only possible for them to get their clothes from the one man."

"But my father went to Highcliffe too."

"Of course he did. I'll tell you what" she announced. "The next time I think of it I'll ask Daddy what he really meant."

"And you might get him to give you the address of his tailor."

"Oh Philip darling shall I really?"

"I've been rather disappointed-in Uncle Ned" the young man said. "I don't see why I should favour his tradespeople any longer."

A DAY or two later, in what for once was brilliant sunshine, Mary Pomfret and Philip Weatherby were sitting on a Sunday afternoon in Hyde Park.

"D'you mind what part of London we live in?" she asked.

"Wherever you like" he said.

She frowned. "That's not quite what I meant" she pointed out. "If you had your dearest wish just in which district would you prefer?"

"I don't mind" he replied.

"Because darling I think we ought to start looking about you know."

"I leave it to you" he said, his eyes out over the Serpentine as a dog swam to a thrown branch in the foreground. "I shan't interfere. A home's a woman's business."

"But Philip, before I begin to search I shall have to know what we can afford."

"I'll hand over my salary every week less ten cigarettes a day. I've decided to give up beer. If we like to go to the pub you can take me on the housekeeping money."

"Oh darling aren't you making it all sound rather grim?"

"I think marriage is. We'll have a lot of responsibilities."

"Philip don't you want to marry me?"

At that he turned and took her hand. He did not say anything but there must have been something in his eyes or expression for she sighed as though satisfied.

"Oh darling" she said. "You had me quite worried for a moment."

They sat on in silence for a while. He gazed at his feet. She searched every cranny of his face with her eyes.

"Because I don't think we need be right down to the bone" she began again. "I mean Daddy's said he'd be able to help a bit."

"D'you believe one ought to accept anything from one's parents Mary?"

"They haven't much I know, that is compared with what they were once accustomed to" she said. "And yet what they've been allowed to keep is family cash isn't it? Savings handed down from father to son?"

As she put this forward she allowed a small smile to play almost imperceptibly about the corners of her mouth.

"That's a sound point certainly" he replied. Then he stopped. He did open his lips once more after a minute but relapsed into silence instead. She waited. At last he went on.

"As a matter of fact Mamma has been to see the dread Mr Thicknesse." He laughed. "You don't know who he is now, do you?"

"Of course" she gaily answered "Your family lawyeti."

"How did you find that out?" he demanded and looked sternly at her again. Meeting his eyes she stuck her chin up in rather an attractive manner.

"Daddy told me!"

"You discuss quite a lot with your father don't you?"

"If you talked over things more with me! mightn't have to."

There was a silence.

"Oh Philip don't be so absurd. You're forever speaking about the family though I notice you don't ever seem to mention we might have children of our own, and now you object to my going into things with my father. I think you' re beastly."

"I'm sorry" he said "darling, truly I am" and took her hand once more. "The fact is I get worried. You were dead right just now when you pointed out people of our parents' age had the experience over us. You see I'm not sure if it's right to accept money from them."

"But your father may have left you some Philip."

"Oh if he had they'd tell me. They could hardly not could they?"

"Still Why don't you go and see Mr Thicknesse?"

"Me?" he echoed. "But Mamma's been."

"I see" she said in an unseeing voice.

"It won't be a great deal cheaper for her with me gone" he went on. "There's Penelope to consider. I mean I don't see how we can afford Arthur Morris's flat do you? Three whole rooms!"

"We might have to if we had children."

"Oh I don't suppose it will ever fall vacant" he answered. When she did not say anything he continued, "As to the little Weatherbys they'll have to wait till they arrive."

She gasped and then she laughed.

"Little Weatherbys" she cried "How extraordinary! All this time I've been thinking of them as little Pomfrets. Darling Philip I am absurd. I never even imagined I'd have to change my name!"

"Well that's the idea isn't it?" he said.

"Then if I must I'd like it to sooner rather than later darling,"

"'Whenever you say" he said.

She frowned and bit her lip.

A FEW days afterwards Mrs Weatherby had John Pomfret to dinner alone for the second time since their respective children had become engaged.

The meal was announced almost before his sherry was poured and now he found himself seated by candlelight in front of some fried veal and unable as yet to start discussing arrangements.

"My dear" he broke in as soon as he decently could "I'm very-flattered. Here I am enjoying the most delicious dinner. But we have a lot to go over. Time is never short I know. All the same I should be glad to get down to things."

"Darling John you were always so tempestuous."

"Thank you Jane. If don't know that I usually let the grass grow under my feet. But this has to do with Mary's happiness."

"Well then I went to see Mr Thicknesse like I promised."

"And what did the old fool say?"

"Oh my dear" Mrs Weatherby began as though a roll of drums had preluded a performance which was late only owing to the negligence of the conductor out of sight in the prompter's box "it was terrible, I never thought I should survive. You know he always seemed to take such a curious view in the old days about our case John. I'm sure if they had ever come to court I'd've had more real true sympathy from the judge, although we were paying Mr Thicknesse weren't we?"

"Damned expensive he was into the bargain."

"Well I went" she repeated. "When I got back I had to take one of nay little tablets and lie down. It's really too bad Philip is so young and can't help out with these business things. As for you John dear Mr Thicknesse's manner to me was so strange once you might almost have knocked him down if you'd been there. Oh how does one change one's lawyer?"

"Simply by leaving him."

"Leave Mr Thicknesse, I'd never dare! After all I've been through with him! But do you know I can't understand a word he says."

"Hasn't he a clerk then?"

"Oh yes. A young one. He's sweet. He'd do anything for me. When I've something very urgent and I get on the telephone they put me through sometimes to Mr Eustace. Isn't it a queer name? I suppose that's only when the old devil of a man is engaged. Really isn't one's life too aw fu, to be at the mercy of men like Mr Thicknesse!"

"Don't beat about the bush Jane."

"It's simply I can't be hurried. John do be sensible dear. I won't be rushed, just won't."

She left her veal, went over to the sideboard and fetched a china dish of chocolates across to Mr Pomfret.

"Beautiful bit of meat you have here" he said.

"It's always such a pleasure to entertain you John" she replied. "No but I mean what can all the hurry be?" she went on. "Only three weeks ago when they so startled us all and now all their whole lives in front of them!"

"You do feel they're too young?"

"I may have done at first but it was you surely confounded us both with my own marriage as though you were prosecuting me darling. We went to Folkestone for the first night of the honeymoon." she sighed. "My beloved mother sent her maid until we crossed to France next morning and the woman got so excited when she unpacked for me I couldn't get rid of her, so awkward. No don't say they're over young now though Philip of course has a lot still to learn, not too young exactly, but where's the violent haste in all this John dear?"

"Oh none. But before there may be there's so much to discuss."

"You don't mean-?"

"Of course not Jane. Only engagements often end in a race. Nerves turn ragged."

"All right but don't you get cross!"

"Jane darling I'm not. Of course we must take our time."

"That's much better" she said, giving him her great smile. "Because I think Mary's the sweetest child in the whole world. So lucky for dear Philip. But we must be practical. After all we are their parents. Oh who would've ever imagined darling we'd be sitting opposite each other like we are, solemnly eating our dinners with the children's marriage to decide!"

"It's a sobering thought certainly."

"Aren't you pleased then?" she asked.

"It makes me feel so old" he replied in a bantering tone of voice but with evident caution. "Something like this can happen before one is ready for it."

"Then you do think they're rather babies."

"No no" he said quickly. "What I meant was that I'm the one who's too young. And I know you are."

She laughed. "One can forever be certain you'll make delicious fun out of serious moments and I love you for it darling. Though I don't say I did always."

"We never made a joke of our affairs in the old days. It might've been better if we had."

"How d'you mean?" she demanded sharply.

"Well we were very very serious weren't we?"

"I should hope so too" she said.

"It was most painful at the time though."

"Oh I thought I would die" she sighed.

"And did we get anywhere by waiting Jane?"

"No don't" she moaned. "We must simply never never go over all that again."

"It's a thought, what I've just said, just the same."

"Oh dear I sometimes feel men must be wildly insensitive. If I knew enough of the language I'd ask Isabella if it's like tiffs in Italy."

"You wouldn't want a fat man about the house always singing opera."

"I might be able to put up with it."

"Now Jane you know how quicktempered you can be particularly when you've those headaches of yours and won't stand any noise."

"I'm not like that now" she answered. "But we mustn't talk over ourselves and the old days tragically sweet as they were. We're here to be practical and I think we have been, John."

"Well well" he said with an edge of sarcasm on his voice.

"My dear what's the matter with you now?" she asked at once. "I thought I was being exactly as you wished."

He laughed. "You're too many for me Jane" he admitted.

"And just don't you forget it" she replied, once more beaming upon him.

Upon which she changed the conversation and in spite of one or two halfhearted efforts on his part he was unable to discuss the children further that evening.

A WEEK later Philip Weatherby sought his mother out in the living room of their flat. He blurted, "Mamma I don't think I want to be married after al."

"What's that?"

"I don't think I want to be married Mamma."

"But how about Mary, Philip?"

"I don't know."

"You mean you haven't told her?"

"Not yet."

"Oh my dearest!" his mother cried. "And what are we to say to John?" Nevertheless there was something in her voice which could not be discouragement and when he replied it was in stronger if still bewildered tones.

"I thought you might have him round Mamma."

"Me?" she asked. "Tell him instead of you Philip?"

"Well of course it's for me to see Mary."

"But dear boy are you sure about all this?"

"I don't know."

"You don't know!" she echoed. "Oh my God where have things come to?"

"Mamma why is it Uncle Ned won't have anything to do with us?"

"Ned? You poor child he's simply an idiot and always was. How does he enter into this?"

"Not really."

"Oh my dearie" she announced, albeit almost gay "I feel quite faint. Tell me though. Why must you turn round like you are doing?"

"I'm an awful nuisance I suppose?"

"Nuisance?" she exclaimed. "I hope I shall be the last to say that ever, your very own mother! No it's the shock."

"Somehow I didn't imagine you'd be altogether surprised."

"What was I to think?" she demanded. "Getting to your feet as yon did in the middle of my party to my friends. I backed you up you must admit and I should hope so too, who would if I couldn't!"

"Oh you've been wonderful" he said with conviction. "You always are."

"l love you when you're like you're being" she said with fervour.

"Well there's no closer family relationship after all."

"Yes but when you get to my age, have my experiences, though heaven forbid you should, my dear you'll realize I really do believe, that you only truly meet people even your nearest and dearest once or twice in a long long while and this is one of those minutes. I just never could feel you were suited to Mary."

"I don't think myself I'm right for her."

"Philip there's not a soul else is there? It can't be Bethesda?"

"Don't be so absurd Mamma."

"Forgive that" she said "I must be wandering. Oh I know Mary's a sweet child But no one will stop me sap ing marriages between the children of old friends are so often a quite disastrous muddle."

"I hadn't worried about that side of it" he protested.

"Very likely not" she agreed. "All the same I did."

"In what way?"

"In no way at all Philip" his mother told him sharply.

"Call it knowledge of the wicked world, call everything what you will, instinct might be the best name, but some thing whispered to me this would be wrong."

"You really have all along?"

"Oh I never interfere" she cried. "You can't say I've once come between you and something you've really wished. My dearest hope darling is to see you happy. Of course Mary's young. She'll soon get over things when the disappointment's gone. But what will John say?"

"Does this make it awkward for you?"

"I wouldn't say so quite" she replied. "I've known him now for a great number of years. Still everything has to be done in a civilized way, I hope you realize Philip. Have you spoken to anyone yet?"

"Not a soul."

"That's so much gained then" she said. She paused. She got a mirror out of her handbag and began to remake her face. Those great eyes were limpid with what seemed to be innocence.

"I mustn't be rushed" she announced at last.

"I know Mamma. I only came for advice."

"A little late for that?" she said tartly. "Now are you certain sure you've made up your own mind?"

"Well I'm not."

"Philip how can you say so when the gift's very sweet I know but a simpleton without a penny and not even really pretty."

Mr Weatherby became very dignified.

"Say what you like" he protested in sulky tones "I shall respect her all my life whatever happens."

"Which means that for two twos you'd wed her now?"

"I didn't say did I?"

"All right my dear" she said. "But you seem very touchy about this. She's a nice girl I agree yet I also know she's not nearly good enough for you. What are we to do about it, that is the question?"

"To be or not to be Mamma."

"Philip don't dramatize yourself for heaven's sake. This is no time for Richard II. You just can't go into marriage in such a frame of mind. Let me simply think."

"What did you feel when you were getting married?"

"Is none of your damned business! Now leave me be, please my dear. I've got to use what wits I have left."

There was a silence while she covered her eyes with fat ringed fingers and he watched like a small boy.

"I shall have to ask John here to a meal" she decided at last.

"I don't somehow feel I could face him Mamma."

"Alone with me" she explained still from behind her hands. "Oh dear" she moaned "it's horribly like."

"What is?" he asked.

"Something years ago" she answered.

At this moment the door opened without a sound and her daughter crept through, a forefinger to the lips, obviously in the middle of a game.

"Hiya Pen" Mr Weatherby gravely said.

Mrs Weatherby screamed. Her hands went to her ears. "You sweet darling" she cried "what time is it? You mustn't come down now! So important. Philip and I are talking."

The child considered them out of her enormous eyes. Then she as softly withdrew still signalling silence.

"Mummy'll come up and read to you when you're in bed" the mother called after her. "God forgive me" she said in a lower voice "the little saint coming down like that has driven every idea right out of my poor mind."

"But Mamma you can't truthfully blame Mary for having no money of her own. Who is there has these days?"

"What's that got to do with it?" she asked from the midst of an obvious abstraction.

"Just a moment ago you said against Mary she didn't have a penny to her name."

"Philip" she cried "don't clutter me up with detail. Besides I always imagined you must keep some rags and tatters of family feeling left, of keeping up the name. No you'll please let me think."

He bit his nails.

"John has his awkward moments you know" Jane murmured at last.

"Always seemed fairly straightforward when I've seen the man" her son wearily protested.

"Which is all you know about people Philip. Oh dear for the matter of that what do we all of us know about anyone?"

"Well Mamma you're able to read me like the palm of your own hand."

"I'm not sure I can now Philip."

There was another pause.

"Then do you truly think I should go to a fortune teller?" his mother asked.

"If you feel it might help" the son replied.

"They sometimes give such bad advice and it's cruel hard to go against what they've said" she muttered. She removed the hand she held to her forehead, shading her eyes. He anxiously examined her face. But it could not be said there was any change in the expression. Sweetness and light still reigned supreme with perhaps a trace of mischief at the corners of a generous mouth.

"You'll have to tell Mary first" Mrs Weatherby announced. "Then and only then can I ask John to dinner. But what if he won't come?"

"Oh tknow I shall have to see him Mamma!"

"You're to do nothing of the kind dearest until I've got my little oar in. I'll manage John I should hope after all these years, or I very much hope so. No I shall have to be ill. Not that I won't be really ill by that time, sick to death in my poor mind."

"I'm dreadfully sorry."

"Nonsense" she cried gaily. "Come over to me" she ordered. When he sheepishly rose she kissed him on his forehead then made him sit by her side. "What am I here for after all? Oh dear but isn't it going to be rather exciting and dreadful!"

Then she must have had a return to an earlier fear.

"My poor boy you're sure you haven't interfered with the gift in any way?" she asked with averted head, laying a hand on his arm.

"Interfered? What d'you mean? She was the keenest on the whole idea as a matter of fact."

"Knowing yon oh so well as I do I'm almost certain you've misunderstood me Philip. No I meant you haven't made love to her in that way have you?"

"Me? God no. It wouldn't have been right."

"I thought so" and she sighed. She turned her eyes back on him with a sorrowing look. "Yes" she said "you make some of it ever so much the easier. I wonder if any of this would have happened if I'd married again and there'd been a man about the house."

"What difference could he have made? It's my life surely?"

"For you to live if you want to live" she answered.

"Of course I wish to. I'm not ill am I?"

"Now dearest you're not to turn sour and desperate just because you've got yourself into rather a little silly mess and have to come to me to get you out of things. How would everything have looked if we'd had it announced in the press, tell me that?"

"Oh don't!"

"Quite, Philip dear, and I think you've been very wise, almost clever when all's said and done. But you've not breathed a word even to Liz are you sure?"

"Me? Why should I?"

"Or Maud Winder's girl? What's her name?"

"Certainly not."

"That's something certainly then."

"You know I always tell you first Mamma."

"Bless you and so you should."

"But how does Miss Jennings come into this?"

"Dearest you'd never understand" she said. "Not in your present mood."

"Oh if you want to make mysteries" he objected.

"Now Philip I simply won't have it" she protested in a bright voice. "You get yourself into a desperate tangle without a single word to me, you come out with things in public as though you were the only one concerned and at last you come to your mother and who wouldn't, oh I don't blame you there, to extricate yourself from whatever it may be; then you ask what's what, who's who and details of everything passing through my poor head-have some consideration dearest for the poo person you're speaking to" she said happily "or I'm very much afraid you won't be able to do much with your life."

"Sorry" he muttered.

"After all I shan't be here forever" she added with a quick shadow of distaste passing across her lovely features.

"Don't" he groaned.

She patted the arm she had been holding.

"You mustn't take all this too seriously Philip" she comforted. "Not since you've promised me no actual harm's been done."

"But I've been so worried with Pen" he wailed.

"God bless the little soul" Mrs Weatherby replied. "What about her, the saint?"

"When she was dead keen on being bridesmaid!"

"Bridesmaid? Who to?"

"Why Mary and me of course. You know how Penelope was!"

"Now really Philip" his mother protested and showed the first true signs of impatience she had displayed, "if I can't manage my own daughter who can, what use am I? We'll soon snap her out of that" she said stoutly. "You'll see if we don't."

THE next Sunday John Pomfret and Miss Jennings were seated at their usual table. There was as yet no sign of Jane Weatherby or Mr Abbot. Thick fog curtained from without the windows that looked over the park.

"But my dear" Liz was saying "what d'you propose?"

"In which way?" he asked.

"I mean how are you going to live?"

"Just the same as ever I imagine. We're all slaves to this endless work work work nowadays aren't we?"

"Then who will look after you?"

"Oh I expect I shalt get by Liz. After all at my age it's the children's happiness is the things."

"What nonsense you do talk John! It's even disgraceful from a man who's in the prime of life, and the more so when as I believe you realize yourself there's not a word of truth in all this you're saying."

He laughed. "Well" he reasoned "the children have to marry sometime haven't they, sooner rather than never-I mean later" he corrected himself and gave Miss Jennings a short cool stare which she returned. "And when they do or while they're doing it we have to take a back seat with the best grace in the world."

"I don't think Jane is, John."

"Now you know how fond old Jane still keeps of the limelight."

"That's hardly what I meant dear. No she's telling al most everyone she'll stop this marriage by any means, fair or foul."

He laughed louder. "Now darling whoever even suggested that?"

"It's all over London John."

"Be damned for a yarn" he said and a certain grimness. underscored his voice. "I've seen this happen before. When the tongues start clacking then's the time for all good men and true to look to their powder and see it's dry."

"And make sure it isn't blank shooting or whatever that's called" Miss Jennings sweetly said.

He frowned. "Which sounds ominous. Did Jane speak to you Liz?"

"Oh no I'd be the last person, surely you realize dear! But she did get hold of that beastly Maud Winder which is why I was so careful just now to say Jane was telling ab most everyone."

"But the whole thing is totally absurd Liz darling. I only had dinner with Jane last Tuesday and we discussed arrangements for literally hours on end."

"Did you go into detail?"

"Well no not exactly."

"Then there you are you see!"

"But you can't rush these matters Liz. There's every sort and kind of point to settle. And after all the children have really got to think their own problems out for themselves. Our or rather my function is to assist where I can, God help me."

"What did Jane actually say, John?"

"Oh I don't know. She may be a bit confused of course which is only natural but i know my Jane, she's fundamentally sound. Nothing wrong with her here" he said tapping the waistcoat pocket over his heart.

Miss Jennings made a noise between a groan and a snort. He did not seem to listen.

"I'd never mention it darling" he went on "but as I expect you've already heard, Jane and I had quite an affair once years ago and I think I know her as well as any man ever does know a woman."

"Which is why I asked what you meant to do with yourself."

"How d'you mean Liz?"

"Well I've realized all along you wouldn't put up with Jane's plotting so I was sure the marriage would go through you see."

"Thanks" he said in a dry tone of voice.

"And now I want to know how you propose to manage?"

"Thanks again" he repeated.

"No John don't be beastly" she protested. "Surely I've the right, or haven't I? Who is going to look after you?"

"When all's said and done Mary never did the cooking Liz."

"Oh I realize if anything happens to one of your poor faithful women like happiness or marriage or both, if that should conceivably be possible, then you can go and eat in your club where you'll get better food than ever we can provide you with, but who's to send your suits to the cleaners?"

"They have a weekly service."

She laughed. "No John you're not to be loutish" she cried. "You know exactly what I'm driving at."

"Who's to put out my slippers in front of the fire you mean?"

"Well yes if you like."

"My dear no one's ever done that for me in my life and it's too late now."

"Which just shows you simply won't have comfort even at the smallest price" she said. "You are all the same. You'd rather be miserable alone in a hovel of a room than put up with having a woman about to make it home."

"How little you know" he replied and gave what was obviously a mock sigh.

"But you'll find yourself terribly lonely, you know you will."

"Be nothing new in that" he said with a sort of bravado.

"You'd rather stay by your own on a desert island than give in to Jane wouldn't you? Now tell me."

"I suppose they must have been held up in the fog" he replied looking for Richard Abbot and Mrs Weatherby.

"Heaven pity me" she sighed. "Oh but you can be maddening sometimes!"

He leaned forward, put a hand over hers.

"I'm so sorry darling, you see it's not my life, I haven't the right but Jane and I went slap through things when I last saw her and of course she's simply delighted with Mary. Strictly between you and me she's been worried about Philip and as a matter of fact I didn't much care for the boy myself at one period if you remember. Marriage'll be just the thing for him."

There was something in his speech which did not carry conviction, nevertheless Miss Jennings said "Go on, do. This is a distinct improvement."

He laughed. "Don't all you women get excited over weddings!"

"Well of course. What else d'you expect? Now go on."

"There's not a syllable more to tell just this minute. The second I have anything like a date or the name of the church, even where they propose to live, I'll pass it on at once. But you know how jealous Jane can be, how particularly cagey where her own or her children's affairs are concerned. Why some days I myself hardly dare ask how little Penelope happens to feelo No, the less said at the moment the better."

"Then what about Maud Winder?"

"Oh this will cook her goose with Jane right enough. You just wait till she hears."

"But you promise if things won't run smoothly you shan't let Jane ride roughshod over all your plans."

"My darling Liz I've known her for literally ages. I might even understand Jane better than you."

"Don't keep on, John, throwing that beastly old affair of yours with the woman plumb in my face. I really rather wish you wouldn't!"

"Okay I won't."

"Because heaven knows I'm no prude but there are parts of that story which aren't even, darling, for my tender ears."

He laughed. "I'm so sorry" he said.

"Well you'd better be" she answered and looked as though she sulked. There was a pause while he drummed on the table with his fingers.

"And have you got a list out, of the presents sweet Mary will want?" she asked.

"Not yet as a matter of fact."

"Blankets, bathtowels and so forth? It makes such a difference because otherwise in spite of two wars she may get nothing but glass."

"I'll remember" he promised.

A FEW days later Mrs Weatherby had John Pomfret to dinner alone for the third time after Philip had announced the engagement.

"Well Jane" he asked "have they said anything to you? Because I'm still without news at all."

"My poor heart goes out to them" she murmured.

"They seem to be taking their time certainly. But as you said the other day perhaps that's no bad thing in itself."

"It's not the two of them I worry over my dear so much as yourself." Her manner was unusually restrained, serious even.

He laughed uneasily. "How's this?" he cried.

"What on earth's to become of you when your girl goes?"

"But Jane, Mary's not my cook."

"No John you're not to make a joke about it" she said although there was little mirthful in his attitude. "You owe your own self the sacred duty of seeing to yourself" she argued with a sweet sincerity. "I know children must marry someday bless them but we do have the right to ask what is to become of our own lives."

"Yet not the right to ask that question of them Jane."

"My dear you are so much cleverer that you must bear with me. I never suggested anything of the kind I'm sure, now did I? I simply want to be told what you propose to do with yourself that's all."

"Carry on as usual I suppose."

"Changing maids every eight weeks John?"

"Oh don't!" he cried. "No I had the idea I might drift along to the Club perhaps for a bit."

"And what sort of life is that for a man?" she demanded. "Besides you know you can't afford standing drinks to all and sundry every hour of the day and night."

"They have their licensing laws too you know."

"Stuff and nonsense! Don't tell me those men pay the smallest attention to stupid little regulations. No it would be so bad for you John."

"Then how d'you propose I should live?"

"I've simply no idea darling which, is why I'm so terribly worried."

"Well I'm most flattered. Everyone seems to want to be told how I can manage. I just hadn't considered it, that's all."

"And you'll have had offers of help no doubt?"

"My dear if ever you hear of a responsible woman, what we used to call a cook general in the old days, who'll have nothing whatever to do in the daytime on vast wages, then you'll be my saviour."

"That wasn't what I meant in the least."

"But Jane I can't run to the expense of a married couple."

"And have the husband drinking your gin and rowing with his wife all day, I should think not indeed!"

"What did you have in mind then?"

"Marriage John."

"There can't be a double ceremony, they're so vulgar. Besides who'd have me?"

"Are you going to marry your Liz my dear?"

"Now Jane what is all this?"

"You should grant me certain privileges my loved one" she said staring at him until he looked away. "The years as they roll on give me a sort of wretched right" she announced. "And I'll not sit idly by and see you make yourself miserable just because Mary says she must leave home."

"There's no question, none at all!"

"But yes! Oh my dear you're going to be so lonely!"

"About Liz I mean."

"Are you sure?"

"No Jane how can you say am I sure? I still know what goes on around me I should hope."

"Does one ever?"

"I swear to you not a word's been said."

"Now John that makes not a scrap of difference, does it?"

"Yet to get married you have to say so don't you?"

"It's the final thing you say, yes."

"You will go on talking in riddles Jane."

"My dear I give you simple plain common or garden sense. You are like all men, lawyers every single one. You think there's no contract until you've said yes or had your answer but the chances are you've unofficially sworn yourself away forever all unbeknownst quite months before. Which makes it so wicked when you try and back out."

"Now Jane to what is this referring?"

"Nothing my dear, at all."

"You were."

"On my honour. The past's past. The little I'm saying is, she has her heart on you."

"Well I suppose I might do worse at that."

"There you go, utterly sweet, completely deceitful!"

He laughed. "But you just put the idea right into my mind" he objected.

"I did nothing of the sort. And John, don't bridle in that delighted way when I suggest someone might like to be married to you. I can't bear false modesty, which can be one of your little faults my dean There are literally thousands of unattached women sitting by their telephones this very minute waiting waiting for the call that never comes."

"I wish I met 'em."

"Don't be so tiresome please" she said. "Who d'you think you are anyway?"

"Well who then?"

"A most attractive man whose family life may just about be broken up from all accounts."

"You flatter me."

"No John you simply shall not take this stupid silly line. To all sorts and kinds of horrors waiting in their lairs you're a whole line of goods freshly come into the swim."

"Oh now you must grant me some powers of choice."

"But that's exactly it, I don't. How can I? You're only making fun while they're in wait there with the dread wretched lives they lead-no to give the present government its due they always did though it's not for me to praise politicians God help us-those frightful endless days and nights have taught them so they're on watch for the slightest sign of backsliding."

"Now Jane you really can't make poor Liz out into a harpy or a pike!"

"Can't I!"

"You may not like her, she might not be the sort of person for you but at least she's not that kind."

"Well my dear" she agreed "you know how I always do go rather far. Mr Thicknesse has often told me. 'Dear lady' he's said and isn't it fantastic there are still people to call one that, 'your tongue will one day cost a deal of money.' It never has yet you know but then perhaps one's friends are more loyal than sometimes we suppose. You see I expect they must be. Because when I say what I do about Liz I don't really mean anything, only that she's such a horrid beast who simply oughtn't to be alive."

"No Jane there are occasions you can go too far!"

There was a pause which she filled by getting him more sherry.

"I'm sorry John but I mean every word for the best."

"Doesn't one always? Is that a valid excuse?"

"She doesn't."

"Then what exactly do you hold against the poor woman?"

"She's not poor she's even very attractive in her own way, though of course she must have been to have the success she has. Oh what it takes to keep on learning one isn't the only pebble on the beach!"

"You don't suppose Dick Abbot is enamoured?" he asked with a degree of sarcasm in his voice.

"Richard?" she cried. For a moment she returned to her usually gay manner. "That sweet man! Never in the whole wide world!! How could he be?"

"Then Jane you just can't really accept any soul who sees Liz?"

"What d'you mean? That I care who she sees?"

"No, quite" he agreed in a small voice.

"All I said was" she went on "and presuming oh yes I am on old friendship, was that she couldn't mustn't be the one for you-t think I mean mustn't, really John darling!"

"And why? How mustn't?"

"But the woman drinks."

"Now Jane that's most unfair. You know she never has."

"I'm very sorry to say I know nothing of the kind."

"Good God then where and when?"

"My dear John! In the bedroom I expects."

"How can you speak of her bedroom?"

"Why should I know? I don't get in it."

"No Jane this is honestly almost unpleasant. We might, we may from time to time have had something for each other, Liz and I, but really I don't feel you have the right-"

"Don't I darling?"

"In what way then?"

"If I see you take a wrong turn, after all these years can't I say what I feel?"

"But we're here tonight to talk about the children."

"And isn't that just what we are discussing John?"

"No we never seem to get away from my own marriage which I give you my word is the first I've heard and which seems to be Liz all the time."

"Do you maintain she doesn't drink then John?"

"Well she certainly wasn't bottled at Eddie's as Maud Winder said she might be."

"How can you tell?"

"But I was there Jane."

"I'm going to say something darling, may make you rather cross. It's simply that when you're out with her you sometimes are inclined to take a drop too much yourself."

"Oh now Jane this is preposterous! I wasn't that way at Eddie's."

"How can you possibly judge my dear? Oh I'm not trying to make out you are a soak like poor William Smith, so much so that his wife had to leave him, you remember sad Myra-what's happened to her-couldn't face pouring the whisky down his throat when he lost his arms? I'm not pretending anything. I only maintain which I shall until the day I die that when you're out with the woman, and it's not necessarily anything noticeable, you aren't sometimes a very good judge perhaps of how much someone else has taken."

He swallowed air three or four times.

"I still don't see how all this has to do with Philip and Mary" he objected.

"I do" she said.

"Well how then?" he almost shouted.

"Now you're simply not to bully me in my own house" she announced. "I have such a headache into the bargain."

"I'm sorry Jane" he said, quieter.

There was a pause after which she said in a small voice, "I had no call to tell you what I did either."

"Oh I know you meant it for the best" He smiled.

"I not only meant it, it was best" she rejoined.

"Very well" he agreed. "But you might admit you could be wrong about Liz."

"Of course I may. Yet I'm not."

He swallowed air again. "All right darling" he admitted.

"That's better" she said.

"Still I don't get drunk Jane."

"No there I admit I went too far dear John. I got upset."

"Dear me!" He smiled. "What we all go through when the children want to settle their lives for themselves."

"What we go through to avoid what we might have to go through" she took him up at once.

"Yes very well Jane" he agreed.

"Oh my headache is so bad" she said visibly wilting.

"You ought to lie down."

At this moment Isabella flung the door open to announce something in a flood of words, presumably that dinner was served. Mrs Weatherby thanked her.

"It's hammering round my head" she wailed.

"Why don't you go along then Jane?"

"D'you know I simply feel I must. But whatever will you think of me?"

"I'll bring you yours in on a tray."

"You'll do nothing of the kind" she objected. "What would Isabella simply think? No when I get one of my sick headaches I just can't eat anything. I must shut my poor aching eyes in the dark. But what will you do John dear? Oh how rude I am!"

"I can get a bite at the Club."

"Certainly not. No you'll dine here I insist. Not that it'll be worth having. Oh dear!"

"I'm so sorry Jane and I hope you'll be better tomorrow. Sure there isn't anything I've foolishly said?"

"How could there be? No you'll simply have to forgive."

While he kissed her cheek as she prepared to leave he ventured once more, "And you've heard nothing fresh from the children?"

"Not a word" she replied, then disappeared tragically smiling.

SOON after this, with the day's work done, Mary Pomfret came to her father when he was alone over an evening paper.

"Daddy is there any news?" she asked.

"Of the wedding stakes?" he cried. "But I have none."

"Because oh dear it's not going well I think Daddy!"

"Engagements never do my dear."

"You are such a comfort" she said. "And it's so complicated. Still I suppose everything always is."

"I nearly went mad when I became engaged to your mother."

"Did you? Oh Daddy what I want to know is the line Mrs Weatherby's taking?"

"Funny you should ask. I took old Dick Abbot out and put him that very question. I should think he sees more of Jane than anyone these days. He seemed rather to be of the opinion she hadn't quite made her mind up yet. Now you know I consider I can read Jane as well as the next man and I'd say myself she was enthusiastic, hand on my heart I would."

"Then you haven't heard this extraordinary story that Philip and I are really half brother and sister?"

"What?" he yelled and nearly shot out of his chair, crushing the newspaper in the process.

"Here let me do that" his daughter said and picked those sheets up to pat them fiat again. She kept her eyes from off his face.

"If you would only tell me who'd said it then I'd have the law on 'em" he panted.

"My future mother-in-law" she murmured.

"Jane did! You can't be serious Mary!"

"Daddy, do say it isn't true!"

"True! You must be insane. Good God! Good God!!"

"Well is it?"

"No of course not."

"How can you be sure Daddy?"

"Because I am."

"I'm terribly sorry but you see this means rather a lot to me."

He controlled himself. "Of course, must do, monkey" he said.

"And you couldn't possibly be?" she insisted.

"Oh well you know how things are" he lamely explained. "Jane and I certainly saw quite a bit of each other about that time, the time he was born I mean. But the thing's utterly preposterous."

"Because if it was true I don't think I could ever speak to you again."

"I do realize that Mary. Look you've got to listen to me. I know you'll think I have a special reason for telling you this but you must believe your father!"

At this point she handed the newspaper back neatly folded.

"Oh thanks" he said. It seemed as if his train of thought had been broken for when he went on he said, "Jane surely never told you?"

"No she didn't. I went down to ask her at Brighton as a matter of fact and when I got there I simply found I hadn't the gumption."

"I'm not surprised Mary." He tried a laugh. She actually giggled a moment but still kept her eyes away from his. "I must say!" he added and laughed louder. She did not respond however and he returned to his serious manner.

"Who's been hinting?" he demanded.

"Well as a matter of fact Philip mentioned something."

"Philip" he echoed in noticeably brighter tones. "How can he know at his age?"

"No Daddy you're not to laugh! You remember what I told you, I'd never speak to you again."

"I'm not laughing" he defended himself. "But you'll agree my dear it isn't a very pleasant thing to be confronted on without a word of warning."

"And not nice for me either under the circumstances?"

"Frightful" he agreed. "My God I've never heard anything like it! But where did your Philip get this extraordinary notion?"

"From his mother I fancy."

"So that's how it originated! She didn't tell you then?"

"Oh no I've just said haven't I? I went down to see her in the hotel and then couldn't screw up my miserable courage."

"You're not to blame yourself monkey good Lord! I should say not! But d'you mean to tell me Jane actually put it in so many words?"

"I'm not sure."

"Then darling you must make doubly certain."

"Why should I when you told me not a moment ago it could be."

"Could be what?"

"True Daddy."

"But my love I never said a word of the kind!"

"You did."

"How did I?"

"Just now when you admitted you'd seen a lot of her about that time."

"But the idea's perfectly ridiculous" he replied in blustering accents. "Why doesn't he come and ask me himself? I'd soon tell him."

"For the same reason I expect I couldn't bring myself with his mother. But oh Daddy do say all this isn't true."

"I've already told you. It's utterly ridiculous! I've never in my whole life heard such awful nonsense!"

"Then why did you say what you did?"

"Earlier on? For the simple reason this was the first time such an insane idea had ever been put to me. I was flabbergasted, absolutely stunned! And I'm so accustomed to the worst that for a second I even considered whether it mightn't be a fact. But I tell you what. You know about that time things were pretty strained between the four of us, I mean he wasn't even born then and his father began throwing writs about and cross-petitions-we won't go into all the business now, what's over's over, enough's enough-but if there could be a word of truth in this tale don't you agree Weatherby would have used your story? And he didn't! If you don't believe me go and ask Mr. Thicknesse."

"Oh Daddy so you really don't think there's anything?"

"Of course not my dear. Lord but you had me thoroughly rattled for a minute."

"I'm such a nuisance" she wailed, gazing straight at him, her eyes full of tears.

"You aren't" he said. "Besides why don't you ask the others?"

"I have."

He looked at her very hard.

"And what did they say?"

"I went to Arthur Morris and Philip did too, separately of course. He told us both the same or so Philip swears."

"There you are then! With the poor fellow dying he'd surely never dare tell a lie."

"But Daddy how simply dreadful! He isn't is he?"

"So Liz says."

"He simply can't. He's so sweet!"

"That's the way things are my dear I'm afraid. Well we've all got to come to it. When he didn't turn up at Jane's party I thought he must be pretty bad. What's the ring you're wearing?"

"It's mine. I mean the engagement ring."

"Oh I say" he cried "and you never told. Here let's have a good look."

They bent their heads together over her left hand.

"Well well" he said. "This is quite pretty isn't it? How much did he pay?"

"That's my secret Daddy. We talked everything over of course. We decided we'd be insane to spend a lot of cash on what is out-of-date tripe. I never meant it to be more than just something to go on that especial finger."

"One bit of jewelry I always did swear could be worth a bust was the engagement ring."

"Oh I know you don't like it or him" she wailed, sharply withdrawing her hand.

"Now my dear" he interrupted "we can't have this! You're overwrought. Good God you've your own lives to lead haven't you? I think the good ring very suitable, so there."

"Do you" she murmured seeming mollified. "And you won't so. much as breathe to Mrs Weatherby about the other business?"

"See here what sort and kind of a parent d'you take me for? Why naturally not" he replied.

KNOWING his daughter was to be out of London the next forty-eight hours on some trip in connection with her government job Mr Pomfret at once got on the telephone to Jane and asked the lady round the next day to what he called a scratch meal at his flat.

After giving her a drink he led the way into the next room where a spectacular supper was laid out and which began with caviar. Once she had exclaimed at this and he had been able to sketch in the devious methods he employed to lay hands on such a delicacy, he so to speak cut right down into the heart of things by saying "Well I've seen the ring."

"Oh my dear" she replied "so have I!"

He considered Mrs Weatherby very carefully at this response but she was eating her sturgeon's eggs with a charming concentration that was also the height of graceful greed, her shining mouth and brilliant teeth snapping just precisely enough to show enthusiasm without haste, the great eyes reverently lowered on her plate.

"Did you help Philip choose?"

"Me? Dear no" she answered, carefully selecting a piece of toast. "I know better than to interfere ever" she said. "But you make me feel such a perfect fool John" she continued. "There was I 'the other evening wanted so much to be told how you would manage when you had to live alone and now you put me to absolute shame with a loveiy choice meal like this."

"Oh we don't do it every day." He laughed then turned serious once more. "And do you like the ring Jane?"

"No" she said "who could? I was so vexed."

"I would only say it to you my dear" Mr Pomfret announced "but the boy must have gone to--'s" and he gave the name of a shop which extensively advertised cheap engagement hoops.

She raised her eyes to his from the caviar with reluctance and a charming smile.

"One has to be so careful never to butt in" she explained "or rather, and am I being wicked, never to seem that one is arranging their little affairs for them. I tried to make him give dear Mary a solitaire darling Mother left me in her will and that somehow I've not had the heart to sell." She now looked down at her plate again and went on unhurriedly eating caviar. Then she squeezed some more lemon with an entrancing grimace of alarm, presumably lest a drop lodge in the corner of an eye. "How delicious and good this is" she sighed.

"And Philip wouldn't have it?" he asked.

"Philip simply wouldn't" she confirmed.

There was a pause.

"Then I had so hoped" she calmly went on at last "for you know what he is about family feelings-well I don't say this ring of Mother's was enormously valuable or of course it would have gone long before now, one can't go round London barefoot after all-but in a way the thing's an heirloom and he'd only have had to get it lined because of course Mother had such small bones."

"You don't think Mary's fingers are like bananas?"

"John!" she screamed, eyeing him in alarm. "I don't find that funny do you!"

"Well all right then" he said. "But what are we to do about this ring he's given her?"

"Doesn't she like it?"

"You know how you felt just now yourself Jane."

"Oh yes but we mustn't make everything more difficult for them dear. You realize it's not going to be easy for those two sweet loves our being such old friends you and I. But has Mary actually put it into words about the thing?"

"No. How could she?"

"She's wonderful! So d'you think we should be absolutely wise to interfere?"

"Yet you can't let her walk round with that on her left hand Jane."

Mrs Weatherby faced him squarely at this.

"Wait a moment John please" she said in a level voice. "Exactly what have you on your mind?"

"Awkward" he grumbled. "Damned awkward! It's simply as an old friend t feel that it may reflect on you and yours" he said.

She pushed away from in front of her the plate which by now was dry as if a cat had licked it.

"But my dear" she cried "on me? After all I've done? When he wouldn't have darling Mother's which I'm almost sure Mary has never even seen. You mean poor Philip's one's too cheap?"

"I do."

"I don't call fifteen guineas cheap."

"Not for what he got."

"Oh my dear I can't think when I've been so upset in my life" she gasped but not altogether convincingly. He laid a hand over hers which she did not withdraw.

"To do a thing like that might come back on us both" he said.

"You mean our mends-?"

"Yes."

"What does Liz say?" she asked.

"I don't know for the very simple reason that I haven't inquired" he answered. "And I shan't."

"So you're just guessing, is that it John?"

"I've lived long enough in our lot not to have to asks."

He proceeded to serve Mrs Weatherby with lobster mayonnaise.

"Well if it all doesn't come back on my poor shoulders" she murmured. "When I've done nothing but my best."

"All the same Jane we must find something."

"But oh they're so independent" she wailed.

"Can't he give her another?"

"What with?"

"How d'you mean Jane, what with? You could sell the solitaire couldn't you and let him have the proceeds?"

"And he does go on so, that they must live on what they earn."

"Well my dear" he said "we haven't been into that together yet have we? The last time you'd just come from seeing Thicknesse and didn't feel like it if you remember."

"No more I do now John."

"All right. I don't wish to press you. But we shall have to take some step about this engagement ring or we might be a laughingstock."

"John" she announced after a pause "sometimes I feel rather inclined to say 'damn the children, they're more trouble than they're worth.'"

"Well I don't know about that Jane."

"Don't you? But why can't they do things the way we did?"

"Money I suppose. Besides I wouldn't care for 'em to get into the mess we got into."

"Now darling you're not to speak so of what is still absolutely sacred to me. How delicious this lobster is! Where did you go to find it?" He told her.

She ate with evident appreciation.

"You don't care for Philip's hats either I hear?" she said sweetly.

"No more I do" Mr Pomfret replied.

"On the whole wouldn't you say John it's rather best for them to make their own mistakes?"

"It all depends."

"In what way dear?"

He turned very white.

"I don't want us to look ridiculous Jane!"

She raised her eyebrows and stared coolly at him.

"I'm not sure what you mean?" she said.

In a trembling voice, with an obvious and complete loss of temper he cried all at once "By trying to stop this marriage by saying as I'm told you are that Philip is my son."

She put knife and fork carefully down on the plate, turned her face half away from him, closed her eyes and waited in silence. Within twenty seconds two great tears had slipped from beneath black lashes and were on their way over her full cheeks, shortly followed by others. But she made no sound.

He blew his nose loudly, his colour began to come back. He watched her. Soon his breathing became normal again.

"I'm sorry" he muttered at last.

"Excuse me" she said getting up from the table and hastened out of the room. He waited. He hung his head to listen, perhaps for the front door. When the bathroom lock clicked he appeared to relax.

Eventually she returned tike a ship in full sail. He stood as she came in the door. She stopped close enough to hit him.

"How dare you!!" she hissed.

"Oh my dear I do apologize" he said and wrung his hands. "Last thing in the world I wished to blurt out."

"How dare you John!"

"Look here sit down once more Jane. That silly remark slipped from me I swear it!"

"I oughtn't to stay here another minute" she announced and sat in her place. He seated himself. He mopped at his face with a handkerchief. She watched her plate of lobster mayonnaise. "This is Liz's doing" she added.

"No Jane don't" he implored.

"Well that was her wasn't it?"

"Yes I suppose so."

She took up knife and fork again, began to push the food around the plate.

"I say it for your own good John" she said. "You should have nothing more to do with that young woman before she ruins you!"

"Now Jane" he cried raising a glass to his lips with trembling hands.

"Because when you allow the squalid girls you choose for your wicked selfish pleasures to interfere between my son and your girl then you aren't fit."

"And Richard Abbot?" he muttered.

"Is one of nature's gentlemen" she royally replied.

"Now not another word of this or I leave at once never to step over your doorstep again."

After which the conversation limped for some time, then she laughed and in another thirty minutes he tried a laugh and in the end as old friends they parted early without another mention of the children.

A WEEK later Miss Jennings did something she had never done before, she asked Richard Abbot round for a drink.

"Have you heard about poor darling John?" she said and giggled. "His doctor's told him he's got a touch of this awful diabetes."

"Good Lord, sorry to learn that."

She giggled again.

"No one knows. Of course he toId me. I'm so very wortied for him. Isn't it merciful they discovered about insulin in time?"

"No danger in diabetes nowadays" Mr Abbot agreed. "Rotten thing to catch though."

"How ought he to look after himself Richard?"

"Just take it easy and they can give themselves the injections."

"Themselves? Injections! Oh no surely a woman must do for them. I mean you can't jab a needle into your own arm surely?"

"Or a leg. That's what they say Lizo."

"Of course there's Mary" Miss Jennings continued. "She could be the one until she actually marries Philip. But once those two get away on their own then how will John manage, Richard?"

"They can do it for themselves" he repeated.

"Does Jane know?"

"The way to give hypodermics? Couldn't say I'm sure."

"No no I naturally didn't mean was Jane a nurse. Has she heard d'you think?"

"Couldn't be certain. Not mentioned a word to me."

"Because I'll tell you what. John's having diabetes like this alters everything. There is bound to be a change in Jane's whole attitude to the children's marriage."

"Can't follow you at all."

"Oh but of course you do. Don't play the innocent, Richard. She's been simply fixed on stopping it by every means. But now he'll need looking after she won't leave Mary home to do the nursing."

"And d'you imagine John will have no say in that?" Mr Abbot inquired. "He's got you hasn't he? You'll have to take lessons Liz."

"He's got me all right" she said. "Yes. But have I got him, there's the question" and she laughed outright, then at once grew serious once again.

"Then will he have terrible pricks all over his poor arms and legs?" she cried.

He gently laughed.

"Oh come Liz" he argued. "That's only a detail."

"A detail? Will there be something else as well then?"

"No but what's the matter with a few dots on his skin?"

"I thought you meant he might have to have some other ghastly treatment Richard. I was so nervous for a minute. I believe you're teasing me you horrid man."

"You're all right Liz."

"I wish I was. Has Jane really said nothing to you about the marriage?"

"Not to me."

"Because she'll force it on now, you mark my words."

"Whatever she does is perfect by me Liz."

"Has there ever been anyone as loyal as you dear Richard! You are so good."

"Mind if I say something?"

"Of course not. How could I?"

"Might be you make too much of things."

"Oh come now Richard you aren't going to say 'mounrains out of molehills,' not as late in the day as this surely?"

"I could."

"But don't you see what's going on under your very nose?" she goodhumouredly demanded.

"Cheer up" he said. "It needn't happens."

"And shan't if I have anything to do with things. I used to love old John. I can't bear to stand by and see him ruined."

Mr Abbot's eyes widened. He watched the woman with plain amazement and some cunning.

"Don't look at me as though you'd seen a ghost" Miss Jennings softly said. "I've been around all this time even if you have only just noticed."

"Sorry" he said at once. "But you're a surprising person Lizo."

"Of course I am" she replied.

"You were keen enough on the children's marriage once" he pointed out.

"Well naturally" she answered.

"And now you want a girl of nineteen to stay at home single so as to give her father injections?"

"But John dines with Jane every other night already!"

"You and I couldn't stop them even if we wanted to."

"Perhaps not Richard" she admitted. "Still we might try and keep it at that and then they could conceivably quarrel over the arrangements even yet, who knows? Because I won't have those two children made into pawns, their whole lives I mean, their own futures, just for Jane to play sicknurse to poor John."

"I thought you were the one who was so keen on Philip marrying Mary."

"I was" she wailed.

"Well then why change when the wind seems to blow the other way? We aren't weathercocks after all."

"I am where John's concerned."

"But you just said, Liz-"

"I know" she interrupted "but I simply can't bear the thought of that woman sticking needles in his arm."

"Liz!" he warned.

"Oh what must you think of me?" she cried. "Yet I just won't help myself and you know she'd give him blood poisoning."

"If he can't learn to manage by himself why shouldn't you be the one for the chap?"

"Would you like that best Richard?"

He paused and looked about.

"Me?" he asked at last.

"Yes you."

"How do I come in?"

"Oh well if you won't talk" she replied with a small voice. "Of course I've no right to go on like this. Yes, well there you are."

"Hope I didn't seem rude at all" he said at once. "Ex- case me will you? Fact is I've got a feeling no one has any right to interfere with the lives of others."

"But don't they interfere all the time in yours?"

"Shouldn't be surprised."

"Well then!"

"There's no 'well then' about this" he protested sharply, "Can't be too grateful to old Jane" he muttered "and I like those two kids."

"Richard you are sweet and wonderful" she said with apparent sincerity shortly after which, and time was getting on, he went off alone to dine at the Club.

UPON which Mrs Weatherby again asked John Pomfret to dinner.

"Oh my dear I'm so worried about little Penelope once more" she began as soon as he came in. "Why how's that?" he asked.

"It's all to do with this horrid new thing you've got" Jane explained. "The poor sweet will insist on sticking pins into herself now."

He laughed rather bitterly.

"Oh dear" he said.

"I know it's dreadful of me" she admitted. "There you are chock full of diabetes so to speak yet I can't but worry my heart out over the little saint. What d'you suppose will stop her?"

"How d'you mean?"

"Well she can't just go on pretending to inject herself all of every day can she? It's even so dangerous. She might get blood poisoning. And oh my clear in what way will you manage yourself? Have you thought of that? Because after a little while there won't be any free space left?"

He laughed once more.

"There is the diet treatment" he suggested.

"Then do tell Pen so with your own lips" she pleaded.

"But Jane you wouldn't want the child to starve herself!"

Mrs Weatherby chuckled.

"Good Lord what a perfect fool I am not to have thought of that" she admitted. "If you hadn't said we might've had her really on our hands! Now darling how about you? Are you all right?"

"Well yes I imagine so" he conceded. "Of course it's a bore but one has to be thankful it's not worse I suppose."

"You're perfectly wonderful the way you take everything John" Mrs Weatherby insisted.

"But who told Penelope about me?" he asked.

"I did" the mother wailed. "You know how truly fond of you she is, why she dotes on you John, and I wanted to make Pen a little bit sad-you see at that instant minute she was creating such a dreadful noise and racket, so I told her your news the little pet, and my dear it came off all too well, she's been quiet as a mouse jabbing great pins in her leg ever since."

Mrs Weatherby gaily laughed and so did John Pomfret. Then she went on quite serious again, "And if Pen let go, should one of those pins get inside her, it might even travel right to her little heart, darling isn't that too awful just for words?"

Jane turned her eyes, which immediate fright made still more enormous, full on him.

"Don't you worry now" he said smiling.

"Yet darling Mother had one in her all her life. It entered through the seat."

"She sat on a pin?" he interrupted, broadly smiling now.

"Yes she was one of the first to be X-rayed" Mrs Weatherby continued, "it travelled all over, just think, and then when she died she had pernicious anжmia after all, poor wonderful darling that she was."

"I expect Pen will be all right" he comforted.

"She'll have to be" Mrs Weatherby replied with great conviction. "John tell me about yourself. How serious is it really?"

"Well I have to take things easy for a bit you know. I can't throw up the office worse luck but I'll have to be careful in the evenings."

"It's extraordinary my dear your saying what you have just done about the office" Mrs Weatherby exclaimed. "I was only thinking the other day over your sweet Mary and how bad all this working life is for these girls."

"Why Jane what on earth do you mean?"

"Oh nothing, certainly nothing which concerns the ghastly talk we had last time about their plans or rather the endless lack of ptans they seem to have. But John don't you think she should get right away before she setdes down?"

He turned rather white.

"Rid ourselves of her for a bit?" he inquired.

"Now don't turn so damned suspicious" she said equably. "I wouldn't be in the least surprised if my little plot didn't bring precious Philip up to the boil though poor darling I don't really know how much else he can do when he's already proposed and given her a ring." At this Mr Pomfret seemed on the point of speech but Jane waved him down. "No" she gaily cried "I won't allow you, just let it pass, I was only joking. But you know what things are for a girl. And whatever we may do to help them in the end there probably won't be much money. No I think she ought to have a change first."

"She's only just out of the nursery Jane where she's rested all her short life so far."

"Then they often start a baby so much too soon" Mrs Weatherby went on imperturbably, "terribly exhausting after all the excitement of the wedding. No John no you really don't understand about girls, how should you? And after that it's just one long grind darling until they're too old to enjoy a thing. I think you should send her to Italy for at least two months."

"But the money" he cried.

" "What made you get this idea Daddy."

"Nothing I just had it" he said in rather a surly voice.

"You didn't speak to Philip about Italy?"

"I promise not."

"Because he mightn't like my throwing up the job. He's funny that way you know."

"But if he heard you were to go to a better paid one?"

"My dear you don't understand at all. He's very seriousminded Daddy. He thinks we ought all to be in government jobs."

"What's so odd about that? Practically everyone is."

"Well I'm not going to try and explain Philip to you! Who is this Mrs Smith anyway? Would she like me?"

"Oh we all knew her at one time. Can't say I saw much of Myra ever. She was more a friend of Jane's to tell the truth."

"There Mrs Weatherby comes into it again" his daughter murmured.

Mr Pomfret seemed to ignore the comment.

"Rather a pitiable story" he mused aloud. "Drove sad William hopelessly to drink then left him when the poor fellow was done for. She's quite different now of course from all I hear, settled down quite remarkably from many accounts. You ought to ask old Arthur Morris. He keeps in touch I believe."

"But has she a fiat or what?"

"My, aren't you being practical all of a sudden, love! I suppose it's this wedding business."

"Now you of all people are not to laugh at me! I'm sure someone in this family must be sensible and it won't ever be you darling as you'll admit."

Sell a pair of cufflinks." she sweetly suggested. "As a matter of fact I had a letter from Myra Smith only yesterday. She's been in Florence all this time, fancy that! She wants to hear of an English girl to stay with her and as a return she asks to be taken in herself over here, she needs to see London again she says."

"But good God I couldn't put Myra up at my place. It wouldn't look decent!"

"With Mary not there, married to Philip you mean?

Oh well I'd negotiate my fences as they came if I were you John. Still, if it amounted to all that I could take the woman in here."

"I can't quite seem to see-" Mr Pomfret began when Jane interrupted him.

"I know you can't" she said "but you must remember you've been so fortunate all your life and now you have a touch of illness I simply shall not allow it to warp your judgement. Or Arthur Morris now? He has no use for his fiat while he's at the clinic. He could lend it to Myra."

"My dear Jane we've to get Mary out in Italy for two months first surely. In any case I'm sorry to say there's bad news about poor old Arthur. He's not so well at all they tell me."

"No no John" she cried "I simply don't want to hear!"

"Yes" Mr Pomfret went on "it seems they've told him he'll have to have his leg off now above the knee."

She covered her ears with two fat white hands.

"Too too disagreeable" she moaned. "And now that all one's friends have reached middle age is there to be nothing but illness from now on, first Arthur then, my dear, you? Oh tell me are you really all right?"

He laughed "There's nothing the matter with me compared with poor old Arthur" he assured Mrs Weatherby.

"That's all right then" she replied lowering her hands. "Let me get you another drink." When she had brought this and placed it on the table by his chair she leaned down and put her cheek against his own. Not for many years had she done the same. He closed his eyes. Her skin was the texture of a large soft flower in sun, dry but with the pores open, brilliant, unaccountable and proud.

"You swear you're all right?" she murmured.

"Oh yes."

"Because you of all men just must be" she said, gently withdrawing. For the rest of the time she did not mention Liz or the children and was particularly attentive.

A FEW evenings later Mr Pomfret said to his girl Mary "Monkey I've been thinking things over and I should like you to go to Italy for a bit."

" Italy Daddy? Whatever for?"

"Oh nothing in particular. I thought it might be a good idea that's all."

"But why?"

"Wouldn't you care to travel then?"

"Daddy, did Mrs Weatherby also think of this?"

"Good Lord no Mary. Whoever put it in your head?"

"I just wondered that's all" she explained rather grimly.

" Myra Smith would have you at her place in Florence." Mr Pomfret went on "and you could do the picture galleries and things."

"Be serious Daddy. However could I get leave from my job?"

"I've thought of that too" her father replied. "Why don't you simply throw it up? You slave frightfully hard all day at menial tasks, there's no future there Mary as you yourself said the other day."

"Give up my work!" she gasped.

"But they pay you so badly. When you're married you may have to find something that brings in more."

"I'm glad someone has mentioned the marriage at last" she said. "Just recently there's been almost what I'd call a plot of silence about it."

"I was only talking to Jane on the subject the other night dearie."

"When she suggested I should go?"

"Now monkey I've already told you. It was my plan and she thoroughly agreed as a matter of fact. Indeed it was herself said there could be no manner of fun in getting married these days, I mean things aren't easy still, girls have an awful grind to put a home together. Take a few weeks off before you settle down."

"But could you afford it?"

"Oh we'll find ways and means I suppose."

"Wouldn't it be better though to save for the honeymoon if you're so keen for me to go to Florence?"

This silenced him a moment.

"No" he replied eventually. " Venice for newly marrieds, Florence for girls before they become officially engaged. Next time you go round to see Philip just ask their Isabella!"

"I'm not sure I want to go Daddy."

"Oh go on and have some fun."

"I don't wish for fun, or rather that kind of gay time. I'm not sure it would be enjoyable."

"But you haven't ever been abroad dear, you've not seen anything in your life. As things are you may never have the chance again."

"What made you get this idea Daddy."

"Nothing I just had it" he said in rather a surly voice.

"You didn't speak to Philip about Italy?"

"I promise not."

"Because he mightn't like my throwing up the job. He's funny that way you know."

"But if he heard you were to go to a better paid one?"

"My dear you don't understand at all. He's very seriousminded Daddy. He thinks we ought all to be in government jobs."

"What's so odd about that? Practically everyone is."

"Well I'm not going to try and explain Philip to you! Who is this Mrs Smith anyway? Would she like me?"

"Oh we all knew her at one time. Can't say I saw much of Myra ever. She was more a friend of Jane's to tell the truth."

"There Mrs Weatherby comes into it again" his daughter murmured.

Mr Pomfret seemed to ignore the comment.

"Rather a pitiable story" he mused aloud. "Drove sad William hopelessly to drink then left him when the poor fellow was done for. She's quite different now of course from all I hear, settled down quite remarkably from many accounts. You ought to ask old Arthur Morris. He keeps in touch I believe."

"But has she a fiat or what?"

"My, aren't you being practical all of a sudden, love! I suppose it's this wedding business."

"Now you of all people are not to laugh at me! I'm sure someone in this family must be sensible and it won't ever be you darling as you'll admit."

"All right poppet." He laughed "So anyway you don't say no to your Italian trip."

"I haven't said yes have I?"

"I don't want you hanging about while there's still so much to be decided Mary" he declared and was serious. "Everything's going to come out the way you want things, you'll see my dear, but it might be best if yon kept out of the picture a few weeks."

"Oh Daddy you do think so?"

"I do."

"I see. Well I'll try and get after Arthur Morris. When all's said and done I can't make up my mind without I know something about this Mrs Smith can I?"

At which Miss Pomfret retired to bed.

FOUR days later Miss Jennings was giving Mr Abbot dinner at her flat.

"Yes there she went poor child" Liz wafted "right through the teeming rain to ask him and when she got to the clinic she walked straight into that lift large enough to take a hearse. Dear Mary rose all the way to his floor and you know the long passages they have there, well she wandered down and knocked on Arthur's door just as she had done so often."

"Were you with her?" Richard Abbot interrupted.

"No, Mary told me. Who else has she got these days the darling? And when the child knocked a nurse happened to come from a next room and cried out 'Oh but you can't go in now.' Anyway Mary was shown to one of those alcoves off the corridor with three armchairs and the occasional table. There she sat thinking Arthur was to be washed or something when at last the sister came. It makes one's heart sink Richard to picture it, the poor love thrown over by her own father, oh she has told me all, waiting to ask so much she shouldn't know of the one person who could give it as she thought, poor Arthur, then the nursing sister saying she was afraid Mary, could go in no more!! When the child wanted to be told why, it all came out of course, he'd just died Richard, not an hour ago, wasn't it frightful!"

"Yes I heard at the Club. I'm very sorry" Mr Abbot said. "What was the cause?"

"Well the extraordinary part is they didn't have the address of a single one of his relatives, they wanted Mary at the clinic to give them names but he was absolutely alone Richard, if you'd been at the grave this afternoon with me you'd have seen there wasn't a soul there except old friends, isn't that perfectly awful? Of course Jane cried enough for his mother and sister combined if they'd been spared--oh I know what you're about to say" and she solemnly raised a trembling hand to restrain him "I expect she may have been quite genuine, minded Arthur being dead I mean, but naturally John had to make all the arrangements just as though he was next of kin."

There was a pause while Liz got out a handkerchief which she pushed with a forefinger at the corner of her eye.

"So what did Arthur die of?" Mr Abbot inquired in a neutral voice.

"The clot. Flew straight to his heart" she replied tragically. "Oh Richard it makes one wonder who will be next?"

"These things happen" the man answered, "But what did Mary wish to know?"

"Well I suppose you'll think this is none of my business" she said. "At the same time, fond as I am of John and Jane, I'm not so blind Richard I can't see all that goes on right in front of my own nose. I don't care what you say my dear but Jane's sending the child away to Italy and making her throw up the job for it, must be clearing the decks for action like they do in the Navy."

"How can Jane send Mary?"

"But Richard by working on John. I never even see him now. The moment those two children tried to get engaged Jane has had the man living in her pocket."

"I know what you mean" Mr Abbot admitted at last, though he seemed to speak with reluctance. "No more than natural all the same."

Mr Abbot appeared ill at ease.

"Natural?" she cried. "Yes I suppose so in a farmyard sort of fashion."

"Then you think it's all come to life once again between theme."

"If I said 'over my dead body' then I might be six foot underground this minute" she replied and they both laughed.

"Sounds bad" he muttered.

"Well every word's true isn't it Richard?"

"Shouldn't be surprised" he answered with a return to his usual manner. "As that film star said when he landed this side of the Atlantic and the reporters asked about the ladies in his life, 'I'm just a thanks a million man.' Damn good you know."

"But are you all right Richard?"

"All right?"

"Yes, in your own health and strength? Here's John with diabetes and Arthur Morris gone. Who's next?" He laughed. "Me? I'm fit as a fiddle" he protested.

She laughed. "Now don't you just be too sure" she warned. "Though one of the things I so like about you Richard is you keep your figure beautifully, still look really athletic I mean."

"Pure luck" he replied. "Some are born that way. Well then about Mary? What did she want of Arthur?"

"They're sending the child off to this sort of Mrs Smith in Florence. I never knew the woman so Mary couldn't ask me though she has since. All I could tell the child was Myra used to be a great friend of the whole bunch while I was still doing French grammar in my rompers. So you see Richard, Mary the poor angel doesn't know what's up. Frightfully wicked they are."

"Expect everything's for the best. After all Liz whoever can tell what may come?"

"Oh I agree more than you'll ever realize. Yet how wrong to play with one's own children's feelings?"

"They don't. They're thinking about themselves and I don't altogether blame 'em."

"I realize everyone does" she admitted. "I quite see even with a baby in arms a great deal of oneself comes into it. But they really ought not to work on Philip. They'll ruin his life, what there is left."

"D'you reckon John realizes what he's up to?"

"Not consciously of course, yet he can't be so reckless he mayn't take advice. Oh Richard he's gone back so the last few months! Was it his diabetes d'you suppose?"

"Diabetes?"

"Weakened him my dear. I can't abide men who turn wet. He's come to be like a sponge, going round to her place every other day, sometimes twice in the twenty-four. hours as he doest."

"Nothing we can do."

"There is then!"

"How's that, Liz?"

"Just you wait and see, Richard." She laughed lightheartedly.

"Well you've been wrong once and you can be again" he said.

"When?" she demanded.

"Not so long ago you told me since John had diabetes Jane would hurry the marriage along between Mary and Philip for reasons of her own."

"I also said she'd been against it Richard."

"All right" he agreed. "On the other hand you tell me now, Jane is packing Mary off to her father's old battlefields so that she can marry John."

"Because I've begun to see Jane must have it both ways. She'll prevent the wedding so that when poor sweet Mary travels home it'll be too late and the child'll have to look for a room on her own or in a wretched hostel."

"Come Liz you could put the girl up at a pinch what?"

"I might have my own plans Richard."

"General post eh?"

"I don't know what you mean" she said in a stern voice.

"I say" he exclaimed. "Dreadfully sorry and all that. It was nothing."

"That's better" she agreed, smiled sweetly at the man.

Now that the meal was done Miss Jennings got up from table to switch on lights and draw curtains to hide heavy rain pouring down outside. He rose to help. As she straightened the heavy folds he came behind, turned her with a hand on her shoulder and kissed the woman rather hard on the lips.

"Here" she cried drawing back. "What's this?"

"Oh nothing Liz."

"I like that after all we've discussed." She gaily laughed. "Anyone would think you'd taken our little gossip seriously."

"Must have been this excellent meal you've just given us" he grumbled in a good-humoured voice.

"That's better" she approved, patted his cheek and led the way next door to the sitting room.

AT THE weekend John Promfret asked Mrs Weatherby round for drinks at his place. When he had greeted her and settled her in, she immediately began "My dear isn't it absurd and wrong the way those two flaunt themselves nowadays all over London."

"Now Jane their engagement hasn't been announced yet, at least in the papers, and for all we know it may never happen but there can be no earthly reason why they shouldn't have a little time together to make up their minds, all the more so since I believe Mary is really off to Florence at last."

"You are sweet" Mrs Weatherby pronounced with marked indulgence. "I was speaking of Richard and Liz of course."

"Don't be absurd Jane!"

"D'you actually pretend you hadn't heard my dear?" she cried. "Why I thought everybody knew!"

"Knew what?"

"Just that they've started the most tremendously squalid affair, In one way I'm so glad for Richard even if I do pity the poor idiot."

"Nonsense" he said. "I don't believe a word. And why are you glad?"

"You ask simply anyone" she replied. "But as to Richard in some respects he's even dearer to me than myself. I'd give almost anything to see the sweet man happy."

"Isn't Liz the only future for his happiness then?"

"John dear you are so acute. D'you know I'm really rather afraid she is."

"I thought his allegiance was elsewhere" Mr Pomfret suggested and gazed hard at Mrs Weatherby.

"Oh no" she admitted with a cheerful look. "All that became over and done with ages back. Isn't it dreadful?" She giggled.

"Could you be having a game with me Jane?" She grew serious at once.

"Me?" she asked. "I wish I were." She watched him. "Why" she said after a pause "d'you mind so dreadfully?"

"I?" he demanded and seemed to bluster. "Been expecting it for weeks."

"Well then." She sighed.

"But why can't people come and tell one themselves when they've had enough?" he asked. "Not that you yourself did so with me more years ago than either of us probably cares to remember."

"Now John don't be disagreeable. Besides I was such a giddy young fool in those days."

"A very beautiful creature whatever you may have been" he gallantly said.

"Oh darling" she wailed "just don't remind me of how I look now!"

"You haven't altered at all" he protested. "Why do you speak as though you could ever be a woman my age?"

"Because I see you such a lot perhaps" she said.

"Good God if what you say is true well I don't feel as if I shall ever be able to speak to Liz again. And with due respect to you I can't seem able to think of her with Dick Abbot. Why I should have thought he'd have one of his choking fits."

"Don't be silly John" Mrs Weatherby cried in a delighted voice. "Besides for all we know he may have had. several over her already, poor sweet."

Mr Pomfret laughed with some reluctance.

"Really Jane" he protested "what you could ever have seen in that pompous ass shall never comprehend."

"Speak for yourself darling" she said. "And when I take you in hand, if I find time, you're going to lead a far more regular life let me tell you. Which reminds me. How are you in yourself?"

"Oh I still go for these tests and they give me the injections and I have to wear a little tag round my neck like during the war."

"Is there much in the injection part?"

"Nothing at all. Falling off a log!"

"John you're being so sensible and I do value you so very much. And have you any more news of the children?"

"Not so far as I can tell. I never seem to come across Mary for a chat these days."

"Ever since you put to her your idea she should go to Myra in Florence?"

"My idea Jane? I thought that was your suggestion."

"I still think it was such a wise notion of yours John to give the dear girl time to look about. But isn't Mary a little bit rash to throw up her job?"

"Well once they are to marry and will insist they must live on what they earn she might in time have to find a better paid one if Philip can't bring in more."

"Ah we shall have to wait and see" Mrs Weatherby replied. "You are so practical. Still you do think she is going?"

"As far as I know."

"Doesn't she discuss it with you then John? How very wicked and ungrateful of Mary!"

"Oh she hasn't much reason to be grateful has she? No she's talked everything over with Liz."

"Don't be absurd my dear, why that girl has to thank you for all she's got. And I'm really very surprised she should go to dear Liz. What Liz might dig up to say could hardly be disinterested, would it?"

"Well Mary went round to Arthur as you know Jane."

"To Arthur Morris? But-" and Mrs Weatherby gaped at him.

"Hadn't you heard? It was she found him dead."

The tears after a moment streamed down Jane's face. She might have been able to cry at will or it could be that she dreadfully minded.

"No John no-" she spluttered, struggling with a handkerchief. "It's been such a shock-you mustn't-poor Arthur-oh isn't everything cruel!"

She covered her face and broke into sobs.

"Now darling now" he said coming across to sit on the arm of her chair. He put an arm round Mrs Weatherby, took firm hold on a soft shoulder. "You mustn't let it get you down" he said. "Poor old fellow he didn't suffer, remember that. There, dear."

He sat in silence while her upset subsided. After a few minutes she excused herself and went along to the bathroom. He lit a cigarette. He waited, When she returned her fresh face wore a peculiarly vulnerable look.

"Do please excuse me darling" she announced, entering as once before like a ship in full sail. "It was because you see he was alone when it happened!!" She swallowed prodigiously. "But I can never in all my life mention him again. You do understand?"

"Of course."

She settled back in her chair.

"Philip said anything of late?" Mr Pomfret inquired.

"No. What about?"

"This engagement of theirs."

"No" she repeated. She paused. "John my dear" she began "sometimes I rather wonder if we don't discuss the children much too often. After all they have their own lives to bad and that at least we can't do for them! So I've simply given up asking. Do you mind?"

"Whatever you say Jane" he agreed and they settled down to a long nostalgic conversation about old times excluding any mention of Arthur Morris.

WHEN the day's work was over Philip Weatherby called on Miss Jennings. She answered the door and said "Philip! Really you should not drop in on people like this in London!"

"I'm so sorry, why not?"

"Because they might be occupied that's why. Never mind, come along."

"Then you are free?"

"I always am to you" she replied, waving him into the flat.

"I wanted to ask what you thought about all this?" he asked, turning round in the door of the living room.

"All what?" she asked from the passage.

"Why Mary and me you know" he answered, and made himself comfortable in the best armchair.

"How d'you mean exactly?" she wanted to be told as she fetched the half-finished bottle of sherry.

"Well Liz" he said with assurance "I look on you as almost one of the family."

"Yes" she replied "I'm nearer your age than your mother ever will be."

"I don't know" he said. "All I wished to ask was, are you on my side or not?"

"Well thanks very much" she retorted dryly. "Now would you like a glass of sherry."

"I wouldn't mind."

"You'll find one day" she put forward "it's odd how like their fathers some sons are."

"But you'd never met Daddy."

"No perhaps I hadn't."

"Then d'you mean-?"

"Now Philip are you going to have a glass of this or no? I'm not here to argue will you understands."

"So sorry" he agreed at once. "I meant I'm in rather a hole with my own personal affairs and as you're a distinct friend of the family's I wanted to get your point."

"In what way?" she asked pouring the wine neatly out.

"About Mary and me" he said.

"Why of course I wish you the very best of everything" she replied.

"Well thanks" he murmured and seemed doubtful. "But does my mother do you think?"

"Jane? She dotes on you Philip. What makes you ask?"

"And Mary's father? I believe you see quite a bit of him. How does he look on us both?"

"Dear John? Now you mustn't assume every sort of silly thing Philip. You don't imagine he discusses the two of you with me do you? Oh he may have done simply ages back but he's stopped. He's not that sort of man that's all."

"I wish I could see my way through" the young Mr Weatherby complained almost fretfully.

"How d'you mean?"

"No one tells me anything" he said.

"What d'you want them to do Philip, quite?"

"Explain to me the way they fed" he elaborated.

"When I went to Uncle Ned he couldn't say a word."

"But what d'you expect them to feel?"

"After all" the young man said "when you go and get engaged you don't just look for silence. It makes one wonder. Does Mary's father approve or doesn't he?"

"Has it ever occurred to you Philip that more than half the time John may just be wondering about himself?"

"Well naturally. But he can spare half a thought to his own daughter can't he?"

"In what way?"

"How do you mean? It's her marriage isn't it?"

"He might be thinking of his own affairs mightn't he?"

"Mr Pomfret? At his age? Why he's a million."

"Good heavens" she said "how old d'you imagine I am?"

"Then you don't mean-"

"I certainly don't" she replied with finality. "All I say is everyone has a right to their own lives haven't they?"

"In what way?" he inquired.

"You're one of these talkers Philip" she announced.

"You don't go out and do things."

"I may not but I work surely?"

"Well there's more to life than working for the government."

"I don't see what you're getting at" he objected. "How you spend your day is a part of your life, you can't get away from it."

"But Philip one's evenings are a means to get right apart from what you and I have to do for a living in the daytime."

"D'you know" he said "I can't see why."

"Then oughtn't you to go into politics Philip?"

"I might at that."

"Oh no my dear" she protested "you're hopeless."

"I've got no chance?" he cried.

"I didn't say so at all. What you and Mary decide is none of my business. You've simply got to take the plunge, there you are, and hope for the best."

"Without Mamma's consent?"

"Why yes Philip if needs be. Doesn't Mary see this my way?"

"I'm not sure. I haven't much experience of women. That's the reason I came round if you want to know."

"You're not asking me to give that to you?" she asked and he blushed. "I'm sorry Philip" she went on. "Forget it. But the truth is I fancy there's going to be another wedding in your family soon if I'm not very much mistaken."

"You and Mr Pomfret d'you mean?"

"Since when were you two related? At any rate you haven't married Mary yet have you?"

"I see you're against Mary and me as well" he said.

"I'm not" she protested. "But you've no right to link my name with John's. What on earth d'you know about it? Of course I'm not going to marry him. ever, not that he's asked me. Grow up, be your age for mercy's sake. All I was trying to say is he'll wed your mamma or bust."

"My mother! He can't! She's too old!!"

"No older than he is."

"You can't be serious."

"I am, Philip. Never more so."

"Will they want a double wedding then?"

"With Mary and you? Listen Philip if you take my advice you'll rush that nice girl off to the Registry Office al ways suposing she'll still have you, and get the fell deed done without a word more said to a soul."

"But that wouldn't be straight" he objected and after a good deal more of this sort of argument during which, however, Liz became somewhat nicer to him, Philip Weatherby took himself away no nearer a decision, or so it seemed.

IN A few days' time Mrs Weatherby again had John Pomfret to dinner following which, after a gay discussion of generalities all through the meal, she led the man into the next room to settle him over a whisky and soda, and immediately began, "Oh my dear isn't it too frightful about one's money."

"I know" he moaned.

"John even little Penelope's overdrawn now!"

He roared with laughter while she smiled.

"No Jane you can't mean that? Not at her age!"

"But yes" the mother insisted. "Only a trifle of course, the tiny sum a great aunt left the little brigand for her beautiful great eyes. Yet she had a letter from the bank manager Tuesday. I read it out to Pen and we both simply shrieked, she has such a sense of humour already. Still it is dreadful isn't it?"

Mrs Weatherby did not seem greatly disturbed.

"Well Jane"-Mr Pomfret beamed-"she's started young, there's no getting away from that."

"I wish everything didn't go on so" she continued. "Oh John I went to see the awful Mr Thicknesse again who makes me quake in my shoes whenever I meet him like one of those huge things at the zoo."

"Yes I suppose we must have a talk about the children sometime" Mr Pomfret said without obvious enthusiasm.

"No no, damn the children if you'll please excuse the expression. Just for tonight let's be ourselves. I mean we still have our own lives to lead haven't we? No but what is one to do with these banks?"

"Exactly what I ask myself three or four times a week."

"I never learned to cook, isn't it terrible, and if I started now I'd be so extravagant you see. Honestly I believe I save by having darling lsabella. With the price things are, you can't play about with what little food you do get can you?"

"I'll fry an egg with anyone but not much else" he said.

"And then there's Pen. Even if darling Mother never saw I had cooking lessons she did at least leave me an inkling of essentials from her beloved sweet example, so I do realize it's no earthly use to experiment over a growing child's food. Once I started that I wouldn't be playing the game with my little poppet would I?"

"Oh quite" he agreed, relaxed and smiling.

"So what is one to do?" she demanded. "Just go on in the old way until there's nothing left?"

"I decide and decide to make a great change in my life but I always seem to put it off" he said.

"Don't I know, darling!" she cried. "Oh I don't say that to blame, I spoke of myself. But those children we've agreed not to mention, John, have changed my ideas. I believe my dear I'm almost beginning to have a plan!"

"Never start a hat shop" he advised. "They invariably fail."

"You are truly sweet" she commented with a small frown which he did not appear to notice. "You see it wasn't that at all, something quite different. The simplest little plot imaginable. Only this. Two people live cheaper than one! They always have and will."

"You're not to take in a lodger Jane" he said sharply.

"But mine is a very especial sort of one" she murmured. "He's you!!"

Mr Pomfret sat bolt upright. There was a pause.

"Look here you know" he protested at last "you've got to consider how people'll talk."

"I can't think the sort of person you imagine I'm like now" she said. "We'd have to be married of course."

There was another longish pause while they watched each other. At last a half-smile came over his face.

"And Penelope?" he asked.

"Why she dotes on you John" Mrs Weatherby cried.

"You know what you've told me ever since that unfortunate affair when I married her in front of the fire here?"

"Don't be absurd darling. This is real. Besides it's me who's marrying you, remember. The sweet saint would never even dare to deny her own mother anything."

"But didn't she get very worked up over Mary and Philip?"

"This is precisely what will put all that right out of her sainted little mind don't you see? Oh John do agree you believe me!" Mrs Weatherby cried.

"Of course if you say so Jane, about Pen. Yet you did once just hint how jealous she was."

"Then she'll simply have to get over it" the mother replied with evident disappointment in her lovely voice. "In any case I'd, oh, pondered sending her away to boarding school. She's young but I've begun to think it's time."

He came over, sat by her side on the sofa and took her hand.

"You're wonderful my dear" he said softly.

"Oh John how disagreeable" she murmured. "So you don't feel you can? Is that it?"

"I hadn't said so. Then do you wish a double wedding?"

"Certainly not. Never!"

He kissed her hand.

"And Mr Thicknesse?" he inquired.

"Oh John you're laughing at me!"

"I'm not" he said and squeezed her hand hard. "I've been over this so often in my mind! But couldn't it be rather late in the day?"

She tried to draw away but he held her fast.

"So you think I'm too old now?" she protested in a low voice.

"That's the last thing Jane. If you only knew how often I'd dreamed of this."

"Oh you have!"

"Yes, again and again."

"When?" she demanded with more confidence it seemed.

"Here there and everywhere" he replied.

"Only that?" she reproached him.

He gently kissed a round cheek.

"And Dick?" he whispered.

She jerked away from him.

"Really" she said "it's too much. You are almost becoming like my Philip."

"I'm sorry Jane."

"But there's nothing, there never has been anything between me and poor dear Richard."

"Yes darling" he agreed.

"So what?" she demanded.

He kissed her on the mouth. She kissed him back almost absentmindedly.

"Will you?" she asked.

"Yes darling" he replied.

"You mean to say you've actually asked me to marry you after all these years?" she crowed, taking his face between her hands and beginning to kiss his eyes.

"I have" he answered half smothered, and plainly delighted.

"But this is wonderful!" she cried.

After an interval during which they kissed, held one another at arm's length, looked fondly on each other and kissed again Mr Pomfret exclaimed "I can't hardly believe everything."

"Nonsense, don't say that John. Think how much more it means to me."

"You? Anyone would be proud to marry you!"

"Ah how little you know my dear. But there is one matter" she warned, drawing a little away for the last time. "We aren't to have the old days over again if you please. You'll have to give up Liz."

"I never knew her then" he protested.

"I know that already" she said. "I mean now."

"Well of course" he promised. "We hardly ever saw one another anyway except at Sunday lunch and that was only because I was sure to see you there."

"It was!" she cried. "No how truly sweet! Not that I believe you!"

He laughed. "We're going on like an old married couple already" he propounded.

"Who is?" she demanded. "Speak for yourself my sweet old darling. Oh you'll have to look out now!"

"Oh Lord Jane have I said the wrong thing?"

"I should say so" she answered and then she giggled. "But there, I expect you'll learn in time. Not that you'll get any other alternative will you, except to be taught by me I mean?"

"I suppose not. Back to school is it?"

"Oh yes yes" she murmured beginning to kiss him again.

He spent the night with her, whispering part of the time because of Philip Weatherby, but they had no more serious conversation.

THE next Sunday John Pomfret took Mrs Weatherby to lunch at the hotel and was shown to the table he had been given so often when entertaining Liz. As he sat down he looked round and saw Dick Abbot playing host to Miss Jennings, again at the very spot where Jane had so often been a guest of the man's.

"See who's here" Mr Pomfret invited Mrs Weatherby.

"Oh don't I know it" she sighed and kept her eyes lowered. "I spotted that couple John as soon as we came in and was so afraid you'd go over with that heavenly goodheartedness of yours."

However he waved in their direction upon which Jane had to turn round, put on a look of great surprise and blow two kisses. Richard and Miss Jennings replied with rather awkward smiles.

"Can't cut 'em anyway" Mr Pomfret muttered.

"There." Mrs Weatherby laughed. "We've almost got through that and dear me I was so dreading it!"

"Don't smile Jane for heaven's sake" he implored "or they'll imagine we're laughing at them."

"I could cock a snook at her the horrid creature" she replied "only I'd never do anything to upset sweet Pascal."

"Oh well if they set up house together, that rather lets you and me out surely."

"Speak for yourself" she said grinning at him. "I haven't a bad conscience."

"Which means you don't have one at all" he laughed.

"I expect yours may be just as clever" she answered.

In the meantime Liz was protesting vigorously to her companion.

"But it disgusts one Richard that's all. To flaunt themselves like this! I asked you particularly to bring me today just in case they might be here. Looking down their noses at each other, simpering like mad."

"Careful now" he said.

"I don't know we've anything to be careful about. Not us"

"Don't want them to crow."

"Oh they'll do that in any case Richard."

"Then we'd better quickly crow over them."

"So what am I to do?" she smiled. "Stick my poor tongue out at John?"

"When did you get your letter?"

"Three days ago."

"Got mine twenty-four hours before yours at that rate Liz."

"Which only goes to prove he's under her thumb completely. Can't you just hear Jane nagging at him to find out if he'd written yet?"

"Military discipline eh? Oh well I don't suppose a bit of that again'll hurt him."

"A taste of the old Scrubs more likely" she replied with a pure and apparently genuine Cockney intonation. He glanced curiously at her.

She beamed on Mr Abbot.

"My darling" she said. "I almost rather feel I may have had the most miraculous escape."

"How's that?"

"But haven't you often noticed the way some people seem doomed to bring terrible great trials on themselves? Dear old John, I can admit now, is just one of those."

"You're arguing against yourself Liz."

"How, dear?"

"You meant Jane would be his trouble didn't you?"

"Well who else? Saving your presence of course."

"And was he also doomed when he kept company with you?"

She laughed.

"How about yourself then, now darling?" she demanded.

"Prefer to choose my own disaster" he replied.

"And have you?"

"Looks very much like" he agreed. She laughed delightedly.

"Oh I'm truly beginning to feel as if I'd escaped" she cried.

"Careful Liz, they'll think we're despising 'em."

"Well aren't we?"

"I'm not."

"Oh cheer up Richard. They can't eat us."

"No but we should keep things in decent order" he explained.

"Whatever you say my dear" she agreed. "Mayn't I even smile?"

"You've got a lovely smile Liz."

"Good heavens a compliment at long last and from you Richard! Now I don't wish to pry but how exactly did Jane write, when, you know, what we've just been talking about?"

"Four days ago you mean?"

"When else?"

"Why d'you want to be told Liz?"

"Because of course I'd like to find out if she dictate John's letter."

"Couldn't say" he objected.

"To compare yours with the one John wrote me" she explained.

"Compare notes" he said with no apparent enthusiasm. "I'm not sure Liz. I mean we were both given our marcing orders in those letters weren't we? If we put our heads together it might be like a dog going back to his own sick almost."

"Don't be disgusting! I'd like to be sure that's all."

"But of what?"

"Why Richard I explained all that. To make certain Jane told him every word to say."

"Oh I don't know, Liz" he temporized.

"I don't know about you I agree" she rallied him. "Of course long before I'd received this ridiculous screed from John I'd told the man till I was blue in the face that it could be no go between us where I was concerned and what he wrote really only took notice that at last he'd had to admit l was right."

"Never was good enough for Jane" Mr Abbot admitted with a show of reluctance.

"My dear Richard sometimes yon actually fish for compliments."

"I'm not, on my honour."

"Oh yes yon are and on this occasion you'll be unlucky. All I'll say is, yon may never recover from the shock of Jane Weatherby throwing you over and your life may be finished."

He laughed. "Oh well" he said.

"That's betters." She laughed. "So now what?"

"They don't look too cheerful at that do they?" he observed, watching the couple.

"Oh they won't find it all a bed of roses" she assured Mr Abbot. Upon which she saw Pascal hurry towards John Pomfret's table.

"Watch this!" Liz begged Dick Abbot.

"Don't stare too hard" Abbot implored.

"Ah Madame and Mr Pomfret" Pascal cried in his voice which did not travel beyond the table he addressed. "So great my pleasure to me Madame. It is so long since Madame and Monsieur lunch together here on this day like this."

" Pascall" Mrs Weatherby cried in turn and her tones carried so that one or two looked up from their meals near by. She reached a jewelled right hand across to where he stood bent forward and he took it. Her great eyes seemed to melt. "Why are all the happiest hours of my life bound up with you here Pascal?" she almost purred.

He bowed. "You are too kind" he said. "And is everything as you wish, Mrs Weatherby?"

"More than you'll ever know" she answered.

"Then can one hope?" the man began and paused to let go of her hand with a pleasing appearance of regret. "My English is still not so good" he went on. "Can we look forward to many of these luncheons with you and Mr Pomfret Madame?"

"I think so, yes Pascal" Jane beamed upon him.

"Because you understand it makes like old days to see Monsieur here again with Madame." At which he bowed once more and withdrew dexterously backwards with his startling gaze fixed on the lady as though he might never see another promise of heaven.

"Oh John I do feel very happy" Mrs Weatherby exclaimed in a low voice. John Pomfret could see tears in her eyes. "Oh darling isn't it nice that everyone cares about us?"

He smiled with evident affection. " Pascal knows" he announced.

"Of course he does!"

"But how Jane, so soon?"

"From my face naturally you great stupid" she laughed and got the mirror out of her bag to study her great eyes. Under the table he pressed Mrs Weatherby's ankles between his own. "Don't you think I look different? My dear my skin is a new woman's."

"Nonsense" he said lovingly "it always was."

"Oh I do sometimes thank God you're blind and I pray you'll keep so."

"My eyes are all right Jane."

"They're beautiful ones" she assured him "and beautifuller still while they don't know what they miss by staring at me with your particularly sweet expression."

"Why?" he asked with a smile and began to look about him. "Am I missing a lovely girl?"

She laughed and then she sighed. "There you go again, hopeless!" she said with great indulgence. "But I do love you so" she added. "Although you can tease me so dreafully!"

A FEW days later Philip Weatherby came back to the flat after work to find his mother alone over a finished cup of tea.

"I say Mamma" he began "what's this about Mary throwing up her job?"

"I wouldn't know dear. She never talks much to me."

"I thought Mr Pomfret might've mentioned, perhaps?"

"Philip" his mother said equably "when will you realize that John and I could have other topics besides Mary and yourself?"

"Sorry" he put in at once. "I just had a thought."

"Would you mind if she did?" Mrs Weatherby inquired in a lazy way.

"Be quite surprised that's all."

"Why?"

"I don't know really except our work does seriously mean something to us. Not like Mr Pomfret with his absolutely endless complaints every time you meet him."

"Perhaps he's been at his task longer dear" the mother said. "Anyway I do wish you wouldn't stay quite so critical of my friends as you've seemed to lately. What's come over you?"

"Am I being tiresome? I apologize. It's just that I don't appear to know what's going on around any more much. Nobody tells me a word nowadays."

"I do."

As he leaned against the fireplace he smiled down on her in what might have been a superior manner.

"Oh you're different" he assured Mrs Weatherby.

"But what makes you wonder about Mary throwing the job up when only a few weeks ago you stood there and told me you didn't care to marry the poor girl?"

"Did I go so far? I'd forgotten. I don't think I'd quite say it now Mamma."

"Well Philip for all your generation being so serious while we're just flighty in your eyes, you certainly seem to have more difficulty in making up your minds than we do."

"Oh come" he replied. "Are you fair? Couldn't it be at my age that one has more opportunities, and anyway we don't have your responsibility yet."

"Yes" she sighed "I expect you're right. I didn't mean to be nasty, Philip. Yet things do still happen to people my age you understand."

"They certainly would to you if you let them!"

"What are you insinuating now Philip?"

"Just that you look more like a sister than my mother. I bet you could marry again whenever you wanted."

"You're very sweet" she approved. "As a matter of fact, and I spoke of this before, I've a good memory and I remember it very well, I actually am about to marry again, so there you are."

She turned a radiant and delightfully embarrassed blushing smile on her son who said, "And I haven't forgotten the mess I fell into when I asked you who. I suppose I mustn't try to find out now?"

"To tell the utter truth Philip" she admitted "I was not quite straight with you then, just for the once. Darling you must please be glad but it's my angel John Pomfret."

"Well I say! Oh splendid! When's the ceremony to be?" he burst out, then a sort of cloud seemed to cross his face and his voice dropped. "But now look here Mamma will there be a double wedding? Would Mary like that?"

"She can have whatever she says" Mrs Weatherby said, steadfast.

"And Uncle Ned? Is he pleased?"

Jane moved smartly on the sofa to get a cigarette.

"I don't know and I couldn't care less Philip. Oh my dear boy do rid yourself, oh do, of this family complex!"

"I'm really sorry. I'll try and remember" he promised.

"All the more so when there are mercifully so few of them left" Mrs Weatherby added.

"That might be one of the principal reasons, you see" her son pointed out. "But never mind. I say though this is marvellous! Have you broken it to Pen yet?"

"Oh my dear promise me you won't so much as breathe a single word. D'you think I ought to get hold of some doctor to tell her, not Dr. Bogle of course? And Philip we ought even to speak of this now in whispers." She suited the action to the word. " Isabella listens at keyholes I'm almost certain, then tells Pen in an Italian only those two can understand, but isn't she simply miraculously clever, darling Penelope!"

He laughed. "I promise" he said.

"Don't you think it the most dreadful thing you've ever heard and in one's own house, each word noted down, but what can one do, she's such a marvellous cook dear and my little growing love does benefit so from that?"

"You know Mamma Isabella's English is far too bad."

"Don't you be sure while Pen's teaching the woman our sacred language all the time. Oh but we shall never get at the whole truth. I often think we're not here below to find that out ever, till I believe the truth's even stopped having any importance for me in the leash Which is not to say I go about all day telling lies myself, you're my witness! No I meant generally. But Philip darling do promise you are pleased over John?"

"Of course I am. And have you told Mary?"

"My dear that must be for her father! And don't you dare breathe a word to the sweet creature till he's spoken."

"Oh quite" Philip promised. "I'll be most discreet."

"You swear!"

"Well naturally Mamma, anything connected with you!"

"You're sure? You're quite certain? Because I'd simply die! If she heard before the proper time I mean!"

"Whatever you say darling" he reassured her and smiled so it seemed with all his heart upon his mother. After which they discussed Bethesda Nathan and soon went off to bed.

THAT same evening Mr Pomfret had tea with his daughter in their flat.

"I don't know what you'll think of me darling" he be gan "but the fact is I really might marry once more this time."

"I know Daddy" she smiled. "You've said before."

"But not who" he insisted.

"I've learned never to ask again" she replied. "Can I now though?"

"Well I suppose you'll make out I'm a fool at my age Mary, it's Jane."

"Now how wonderful!" she cried with every appearance of genuine enthusiasm. "Oh I'm so glad for you!" She kissed him.

"You truly are?"

"Of course I am Daddy. And when's it to be?"

"Tell you the truth" he said, still with some embarrassment "we haven't quite got down to dates yet. Are you absolutely sure you're pleased?"

"But of course" she assured him and seemed altogether wholehearted. Then she started frowning. "D'you promise you haven't tried to get me out of the way for the wedding?"

"My dear child what on earth do you mean?"

"The Italian business" she said.

"I don't follow, monkey."

"Why you remember you were so keen I should throw up my job and go out to Italy?"

"Oh that! I swear to you I hadn't even considered it."

"You hadn't!"

"Well this thing about my marriage wasn't on the cards then."

"But you do want me at the ceremony Daddy?"

"Naturally! What sort of a father d'you imagine I am? Couldn't you fly back?"

"That's all right then. All the same why did you wish me away?" she asked.

"It's simply-" he began when she interrupted.

"Oh all right" she cried smiling once more. "Whatever will you think? Here's you getting married and I have to talk about myself!"

"Then you don't find the idea disloyal?"

"Daddy!" she brought out with a dazzling grin. "That's something must be entirely between you and your conscience."

"So you do" he reluctantly put forward.

"I said nothing of the sort" she protested.

"You see it's never easy to explain-" he tried once more.

"I didn't suppose it was" she agreed. "Lord there was me a few weeks back trying to tell about Philip and now the roles are properly reversed" she cried. "You're the one stuttering and stammering now" she said.

"I've meant to ask about Philip, Mary-"

"No" she cut in on him "this is not the moment. Let's talk about you, darling."

"You are sweet" he said. "How can I oblige? What d'you wish to know?"

"Well all of it of course! And right from the beginning."

"Oh that's rather a long story" he objected.

"Whatever yon say" she agreed. "So we'll keep everything for another time, very well." Then her face clouded over. "And where d'you both propose to live?" she demanded.

"I'm not sure my love. We hadn't really considered that yet. Wherever will be cheapest of course" he added with the whine of a guilty conscience in his voice. "In fact" he went on "Jane has been making pretty much of a point how things come cheaper for two people than they do for one."

"Oh I'd have to find somewhere else naturally" she admitted with what seemed to be amused if guarded acquiescence.

"Why good Lord monkey you surely wouldn't think we'd turn you out! Besides there's your own future to consider. No the little I meant was it's less expensive for three in one fiat than to live split up in two of them."

"And there's Philip, and Penelope."

"Well yes so there is! Bless me we may have to take a larger place that's all. And while we're about it we might move to a less disgusting neighbourhood than what Jane and I both live in now. I must speak to Jane. Because the way this particular quarter has gone down lately is too, frightful."

"I shouldn't bank on Philip and me setting up shop so very soon Daddy."

"Why what are you trying to tell now dear?"

"Very little. Anyway don't let's talk about me just this minute. Today belongs to you. It was only for when you. make your plans, that's why I said what I did. Anyway I'll have to get a room of my own. But still, enough of that, darling."

"However you wish Mary."

"Well doesn't everything seem very strange to you?" she demanded. "Your going to be married I mean?"

"Oh my love I'm so worried about dear Penelope!" he brought out at once. "Yes Daddy?"

"She needs a man in the house."

"Have a heart! She's not seven yet."

"I've such a responsibility towards Jane regarding the poor child" Mr Pomfret insisted. "There's no getting away from it, cardinal errors have been made with that little thing. She's just a mass of nerves. I owe this to Jane to get her right."

His daughter laughed, not unkindly. "Pen will be a match for every one of you I'm afraid."

"No monkey I'm serious" Mr Pomfret declared. "Marriage has certain responsibilities as you'll find in due course when your time comes. I've taken on quite a lot where Penelope's concerned."

"Oh I'd be inclined to agree with you there Daddy."

He laughed a bit shamefacedly in return for the broad smile she gave him.

"Am I being ridiculous again?" he asked.

"Perhaps you are just a little" she replied. "Well now I ought to go out and meet Philip. Good-bye for now darling" she said and kissed him, hard. "I wish you every single thing you deserve and you're wonderful" she ended.

"You'll have me crying like Pen in two two's." He laughed.

Mary joined Mr Weatherby in the bar of the public house they always used in Knightsbridge.

"Sorry I'm late" she excused herself. "My father was making his announcement."

"So he's told you" the young man said and pushed one of two glasses of light ale towards her. "Seems rather extraordinary that they could marry!"

"Well why shouldn't they?"

"After knowing each other all those years!" he objected. "When we're engaged?"

"I'd not be too certain if I were you" she said looking away from him.

"Why how do you mean?" he demanded.

"Just what I say Philip."

"No one tells one anything" he complained. "Are you trying to make out we're not to be married any more?"

"You know Daddy wants me to go to Italy?"

"How does that really alter our plans?" he asked.

"I simply can't apply for leave from the Department for any length of time" she answered as she twiddled her glass of beer round and round on the table and watched it closely. "It's rather sweet in one regard if you wish to know" she added. "He'd prefer me away to let him get adjusted, I'm sure that's why."

"Mary I don't follow you at all."

"Well put yourself in their position, or in my father's if you like! He's embarrassed, of course he must be, marrying an old flame at his age. He doesn't care to have a grown daughter around while he adjusts himself to your mother, and marriage is tremendously a matter of adjustment you must admit Philip."

"I never said it wasn't did I?"

"Quite. I'm glad you agree. Which will make everything so much easier. For you know we've got to have a bit of a talk you and I one of these days."

"What about for heaven's sake?"

"Everything Philip."

"Oh dear" he cried, but with a smile "this does sound ominous of you!"

"I don't know" she answered. "All I am almost sure of is you won't mind."

"You're giving me marching orders?" he inquired as he watched the toe of his shoe.

"I might be, yes" she replied.

"You mean to say you aren't absolutely certain?" he asked with a sort of detachment. She turned to face Mr Weatherby.

?"Philip you mustn't laugh!" she warned.

"I'm not" he assured her with a straight face.

"For a minute I thought yon were" she admitted and from the tone of her voice she could have been near to tears. "I'm not sure you mayn't even have worked for this" she added.

"In what way?" he demanded.

"Oh why are you so difficult to know, Philip?" she asked transferring her attention back to the glass she held and did not drink from. "I think that's the whole trouble. I can't make you out a bit."

"Don't get worked up Mary."

"But part of all I'm trying to tell you is, I'll have to leave the Department, I've just explained I can't ask for extended leave. If they gave it me they'd be bound to take as much off my holiday periods and so in the end I'd never get away again for ages which would be impossible even you will agree Philip."

"Really your father is the most selfish man" he burst out and raised his voice in indignation. "Entirely because he's bent on marrying my mother all of a sudden, a thing he's not thought of for years, he insists that you throw up a job which is part of your life-"

Miss Pomfret interrupted and had to shake his elbow to do so.

"Quiet, Philip you'll have everyone listening in a moment. And anyway less of all this about Daddy please!"

"I can't help but-"

"No Philip I mean what I say. I never bring up anything against your mother so why should you start about my parent?"

"I wasn't blaming him so much as I was the way he treated you."

"Where's the difference?" she asked.

"Very well then you win" he replied in a calmer voice. "So you're to chuck the whole career up in order to give your father time to get to know Mamma when they've lived in each other's pockets ever since we were born!"

"Go on I'm listening Philip" she commented acidly.

"But dear my only thought is of you!" he protested with what seemed to be some unease.

"Why?" she demanded.

"How why?" he inquired.

"Did you think of me suddenly then?"

"Well Mary isn't that natural?"

"Except this. When you could have done something for me, for us both if you like, you'd insist time and again, Philip, you mustn't upset your family! It's they who've come first always, isn't that so?"

"I don't know what you're referring to" he said.

"You made one great mistake Philip" she explained in hushed tones. "I told you once but you wouldn't listen. And that was we should have married, then told them all at your mother's beastly party, and only then."

"Now who's being offensive about parents?"

"Oh Philip I only said about the party, I didn't breathe a word against your mother though probably I might have if I tried. No, and now it may be too late!"

"What may be?"

"Our engagement Philip!"

"You don't mean to say you agreed to go through the ceremony with me just to stop our parents' marriage!"

"Don't be disgusting! Of course not."

"See here Mary" he said with what might have been firmness "there's no good in your getting cross. The fact is you're not a bit clear at the moment and I can't make sense out of all you say."

"I meant things might be too late now for us to marry, Philip."

"No, look, of course it's for you to decide, but don't rush this! You're all on edge which is only natural. Go to, Italy by all means, give yourself a chance to think everything over. But I'm bound to tell you throwing up your job on a whim as you are must affect me. I mean to say, what serious man wouldn't consider, well you know — Honestly that does seem childish."

"There you are!"

"Where am I?" he demanded.

"But you don't think of me in the least, ever" she angrily protested. "If I talk of giving up my job you merely make threats about the effect it will have on you! Not that I care my dear in the least, so there!"

"I was trying to suggest what was best."

"So you believe my interests lie in marrying you Philip?"

"Not at all" he answered warmly. "I've nowt to offer. I've never been able to believe you ever would. From your point of view it must be madness."

"Well well!" she said and smiled on him. "Oh I know you'll think me awful but I must have more time. Still I wish you could have been as decided like this all through. Oh Philip I have been miserable, truly I have! At moments."

"I don't suppose everything's been very gay for anyone except our sainted parents" he replied.

"There you go again!" she wearily complained.

"Sorry. Forget it. Now how shall we leave all this? I know you will be annoyed but one thing I do bless my lucky star for, that we didn't put our engagement in the papers. No" and he raised a warning hand at the expression on her face "don't say it! If marriage is a long grind as they make out, of give and take, then my feelings for my family are just one of those bad patches you'll have to get used to. And I warn you there's no one will ever get me out of them. Anyway go to Italy dear and see how you feel when you do come back."

"Oh no Philip" she burst out, turning scarlet, "you're not to be so bloody to me!! Here take your beastly ring, I'm off!"

She almost ran out. He went rather white and cautiously looked round the saloon bar, presumably to see if anyone had noticed. No one appeared to be watching however. After which he finished both light ales and then left with much composure.

WELL she's given him back the ring Richard" Miss Jennings announced as she opened the door to Mr Abott.

"Good God, can't have been worth much then!"

"No, no Mary has to Philip, not Jane to John."

"I thought all was settled between those two" he said carefully as he folded his overcoat to lay on a chair "The children that is at least" he added.

"Why my dear you haven't heard anything about John have you?"

"No Liz but after what's happened to the couple of us nothing in human nature can ever surprise me again."

"You are sweet I like you so much better when you begin to be cross with Jane and John. And once upon a time I really thought you never would be!"

He coughed and rubbed his hands together before her fire.

"Rotten summer we've had" he said.

"Yes Mary's given him back the ring" Miss Jennings insisted.

"And has Jane had hers yet?" he wanted to be told.

"I don't know. Oh d'you think so? I would really terribly like to see it. Because if he can't do better for Jane than Philip was able to manage for John's daughter the fur will simply fly my dear, you'll see."

"Would she go as far as to chuck the thing back in his face?" Mr Abbot inquired smiling.

"Jane? Why you don't want that surely Richard? Not now any more you can't?"

"Not sure my old wishes will have a great deal to do with anything you know, not where they're concerned anyway."

"Why did you ask in that case?"

"Curiosity never killed a cat in spite of all they say Liz."

"But if you're so curious, then you do still care what happens to Jane! Oh Richard you can give yourself away at times so terribly!"

"Well don't you mind about John?"

"I just won't let myself."

"Nonsense my dear of course you'd like to know if he'd made up his mind not to marry Jane."

?"I could still do with a small little satisfaction of my own if that's what you mean" she answered. "But I won't allow myself to care about how the man behaves afterwards."

"Not much between us then probably" he admitted.

"Now what are you getting at?" she demanded, smiling with obvious pathos.

"We're in the same boat right enough it seems."

"Then don't yon start to rock the thing by yearning after Jane!"

"Oh Liz as I told you once before I'm just a thanks a million' old soldier now."

"Well I say it's John should be thankful all his life to me and so should Jane be for you."

"Why?" he asked. "What've we done towards 'em in the long run?"

"But my dear" she cried "I'm ever so clear about it all!" Her voice was genuinely light and gay. "It was we who rendered everything possible for those two, which made me so restless and cross at one time. They'd simply got into the habit of getting old, Jane even gloried in letting herself go, now don't protest, and when she saw. I was be ginning to make something of John she grew so jealous she just couldn't stand anything."

"Where do I come into it then?"

"Why by being the sweetest man in the whole wide world and so enormously modest you can't even lift a thumb! Don't tell me she'd have been able to carry on once again with John if you'd as much as raised your little finger!"

"Did you let John off without a fight Liz?"

"Oh I'm different" she admitted in honeyed accents. "There's a fate on me Richard darling! Whenever I get involved with a man he always goes back to some first love old enough to be my mother."

"Never heard such poppycock in all my life" he gallantly protested.

"Ah but you don't know, you can't."

"A lovely creature like you" he insisted.

"Then why aren't I married now?"

"Often wondered and then by Jove one day I saw the whole thing in a flash! Fact is Liz you're so damned honest and that's a wonderful quality, rarest thing on earth nowadays. You just frighten 'em off when they can't measure themselves up."

"Richard is this a compliment?"

"Certainly is!"

"If you go on like it you'll make me cry." She beamed upon him. "Because you're the kindest sweetest man I think I ever met. Oh you'll make a woman so happy one of these days!"

"D'you believe that?" he demanded almost fiercely.

"As much as anything I ever uttered in my whole life!"

"Because when Jane won't have me I doubt if anyone else will now" he muttered.

"Don't be so absurd! I tell you any woman would be proud and honoured, Richard! And what d'you dare to mean by 'now?'"

"I'm no' getting any younger Liz."

"I can't make you out at all" she protested. "D'you feel old?"

"Can't say I do" he replied.

"Well where's the trouble then Richard? As I've told you before but you simply won't listen!"

"I don't remember exactly Liz."

"Why so far as I'm concerned I prefer older people, older than myself I mean. And you once said such a sweet thing to me when you were on the subject."

"I did? You do?"

"There you go again" she said cheerfully. "Oh I might have known this! Then was it just one of those things you throw off at a party?"

"Dreadfully sorry-" he began but she interrupted.

"You should be more careful what you say to women" she complained with a laugh. "You're almost impossible Richard. And I did set such store! You told me at the engagement party what you liked where I was concerned was my special blend of still being young and yet that I'd all the allure of experience."

"Good God I've always felt it Liz."

"Then why couldn't you recollect?"

"I did" he insisted. "I do."

"After all that's happened how can I believe you now?" she asked, her back to the fire.

"Never could manage to be much use at explaining" he said, moved over, put his arms about her waist and gave her a hug and a long kiss. She drew back but not away from his arms.

"Oh no you don't!" she laughed upon which he embraced her again.

"Look here-" she said seriously when next he allowed her to come up for air but at once his mouth came back on hers. After a moment she went noticeably limp and then, while he still pressed his lips on her tongue she raised her arms and tightened these around his neck.

"Oh Dick!" she said at last. "Oh Dick!!"

Upon which for no discoverable reason he began to choke. He soon had to let go of her and if at first she seemed to smile goodnaturedly, then as his face grew more purple and at last black, as his staring eyes appeared to fight an enemy within so frightful was the look of preoccupation on them, so in no time at all she was thumping his back, breaking off to fetch a glass of water, letting off small "ohs" of alarm until when his red eyes were almost out of their sockets he began to be able to draw breath once more and what was plainly a glow of ease started to pale him, to suffuse his patient, gentle orbs. Upon which, before this expression had time to grow positively hangdog, she got him in the bedroom on the bed. As he lay watching her and she unbuttoned his collar he found his voice again.

"Dreadfully sorry but quite all right now" he gasped.

"What was it then?" she cried.

"Always have often swallowed the wrong way all my life."

"I was so frightened. Oh Dick!" she said laying her soft cheek along his face.

He stayed the night and next morning she seemed entirely jubilant.

A WEEK or so later Mrs Weatherby entertained John Pomfret once more at her flat. It was dusk and as they were seated next each other on the sofa, his arm around her shoulders while she held his free hand moist in both of hers; as the fire glowed a powerful rose and it rained outside so that drops on the dark panes, which were a deep blue of ink, by reflection left small snails' tracks across and down the glass in rose, for Mrs Weatherby had not drawn the curtains; as he could outline her heavy head laid next his only in a soft blur with darker hair over her great eye above the gentle fire-wavering profile of her nose, and, because he was nearest to this living pile of coals in the grate, he could see into this eye, into the two tranparencies which veiled it, down to that last surface which at three separate points glowed with the fire's same rose; as he sat at her lazy side it must have seemed to him he was looking fight into Jane, relaxed inert and warm, a being open to himself, the fire, and the comfort of indoors, but with three great furnaces quiescent in her lovely head just showing through eyeholes to warn a man, if warning were needed, that she could be very much awake, did entirely love him with molten metal within her bones, within the cool back of her skull which under its living weight of hair was deeply, deeply known by his fingers.

"Oh dear" she murmured for the third time "darling d'you think we should close the shutters?"

He did not answer but tightened hold, to keep her. At that she leaned a little more against his shoulder.

They had been talking by fits and starts not so much in reply one to the other as to make peaceful, barely related statements which had advanced very little what they presumably meant by everything they said because they now seemed in all things to agree, in comfort in quiet, and rest.

"So you don't fed dearest you should be married in church?" she sighed as though to sum up a long discussion.

"Registry office, or might look ridiculous! At our age" he almost whispered to an ear he could not see.

"However you say" she agreed. There was another pause. "I'll think about it" she added.

"What was that darling?"

"The registry office" she explained.

"I know. Go on" he mumbled, yawning.

"I said I'd think it over, aren't you sweet" she sighed again and silence fell once more. After a long pause she murmured "D'you realize I can hardly believe Mary's given him back the ring, dearest?"

"Which ring?"

"Why the engagement! You're not to fall asleep on me yet" she commanded in her softest voice.

"Yes she did" he murmured "or so she said." He yawned again.

"But Philip's never mentioned a syllable John."

"Can't hardly think Mary'd actually go as far as pawn the object" he muttered.

"Oh darling the poor child could not get much for what it was, would she" and indolently saying this Mrs Weatherby chuckled. "Oh no she simply's not made that way, Mary'd never do such a thing. Now she's gone to dear Myra in Florence, Philip's taken Bethesda out twice, yes twice, two whole times did you know?"

"Never heard of her. Who's she?"

"So unsuitable, dearest, a girl at his work."

"Well Jane" he said with a sort of lowpitched assurance, then yawned a fifth time, "our children will just have to work their own lives out, we can't do everything for them."

She gave no answer. They relapsed into easy silence. After quite an interval he began again.

"But Jane my dear as I've explained before this very evening, I'm worried about your Penelope. I fed I've a real responsibility towards you there darling."

He spoke so softly she could not have heard for she asked, "A real what, my heart?"

"Responsibility, love. Always told you a man about the house is what the child needs. Now just when she's going to have a stepfather you speak of sending her off to ah-" and he yawned yet once more "to one of those sleeping places, how d'you call 'em-" and he Came to an end.

"Boarding schools" she gently prompted.

"Yes-thick ankles-hockey, Jane."

"Oh-no the poor angel, then I'd never allow it" the mother protested comfortably but with a trifle more animation.

"There you are" he mumbled. "Always knew you couldn't send her away-when things came to the. point."

"Oh no" she quietly said "I'd stop her playing those games at school then."

"Expect you know best" he commented, yawning a last time.

There was a longer pause while his eyelids drooped.

"And how's your wicked diabetes my own darling?" she whispered.

"All right" he barely answered.

"And is there anything at all you want my own?"

"Nothing-nothing" he replied in so low a voice she could barely have heard and then seemed to fall deep asleep at last.

The End