Part 9 (1/2)
bit bare without those curtains, and as for you.
Miss Alethea, you'd do well to go and wash your face and hands and comb your hair for your breakfast.
' ”The worst of these old family servants and friends,” remarked Mr van Diederijk, ushered into the sitting room by Alethea, 'is that having known you since you were so high, they never allow you to grow up.
I know--I've one at home.
' ”The one who bakes the cakes?
' ”The very same.
Are you on duty tomorrow?
' She paused at the door.
”Yes--I drove down.
' ”Ah, well--I'll drive you back.
You can always come down by train and drive back next time?
' ”Well, yes, I could.
But I'm not going until this evening.
' ”Ah--I'm invited to spend the day?
' His voice was bland.
”T shall enjoy that.
Besides, I can hang those curtains for you.
' Alethea was much struck, when at the end of the day she was sitting
beside Mr van Diederijk on their way back to Theobald's, at the
pleasant time she--indeed all of them--had had. Her grandmother had liked him and had spent quite some time in conversation with him while Alethea and Mrs Bustle got lunch, and as for the housekeeper, he was an instant success, and although he didn't get Dun dee cake for his tea, he certainly had his appet.i.te coaxed with featherlight sponges, home-made scones and Mrs Bustle's own jam.
And when they left she was surprised at her grandmother's sincere wish that he should call again.
And he had agreed to do so, too.
”It was rather a quiet day for you,” she ventured as he sent the Jaguar racing ahead.
”T like quiet days.
What gave you the idea that I didn't?
' he wanted to know.
”Nothing--only you live in London and I expect you go out a good
deal.
' ”T live in Groningen, too, and I like nothing better than to be at home.
' He overtook the cars ahead of him and steadied the car's pace.
”And you?
' He glanced at her.
”Your grandmother tells me that you're thinking of leaving Theobald's.
A good idea, but of course you can only leave for one reason.
' She turned to look at him.
”What do you mean?