Part 11 (1/2)

She loves them dearly, spoils them utterly and can no longer cope.

They need kind authority, understanding and someone to confide in and

love.

' ”Why not you?

' Her voice was a little sharp.

”T am not a woman.

I love them, make no mistake about that, but there are so many things I

cannot do or say which a woman--a mother--can.

' Alethea opened her mouth ready to utter the telling remarks she had a mind to utter, but she had no chance. The door opened again and Sue came in, hesitated, said: ”T'll bring in the coffee, shall I?

You too, sir?

' and retreated.

”T.

' began Alethea, and was interrupted once more, this time by one of the

nurses, who asked in a scared voice if she could go to coffee and then turned and ran, and this time Mr van Diederijk leaned one vast shoulder against the door jamb.

”T'll leave you to think it over,” he said placidly.

”There are no strings attached, my dear.

As I said, I don't want a wife, I've had my fill of loving,” his placid

voice was suddenly bitter, 'and that I think will suit you.

I shall enjoy your companions.h.i.+p and be proud to have you at my table.

' He was at the door when she cried: ”But it's so drastic!

' ”Yes?

But surely better than staying here for ever, eating your heart out

while you preserve an indifference torn in shreds each time you meet Penrose.

And you meet half a dozen times a day, do you not?

' He didn't wait for her to answer, but went away, shutting the door very quietly behind him.

Alethea sat very still after he had gone, staring down at her folded hands.

She was still staring at them when Sue came in with the coffee tray. ”You look as though someone has. .h.i.t you on the head with a hammer,” observed that young lady.

She looked a little anxiously at Alethea.

”T say, nothing's wrong, is it?

I mean, on the ward?

' ”No--everything's fine.

' Alethea summoned up a smile.

”It wasn't anything to do with the ward.

' And Sue forbore from asking any more questions.

Sister Thomas was a poppet, but she had an air of reserve, even with

those with whom she worked, which prevented prying, and when she

broached the subject of the new batch of student nurses expected on the ward the next day.

Sue followed her lead and they talked of nothing else.