Part 22 (1/2)

”Alethea, here are Sarel and Jacomina.

' He looked down at the two children.

”My dears, this is Alethea Thomas, who is going to marry me within a few weeks.

' They offered hands and said ”How do you do' and smiled at her, two pairs of blue eyes staring up at

her, fall of hate.

She hadn't expected that, but she knew enough about children to know that they were reacting in a perfectly normal way; she would have to be patient, very patient, and give them lots of time.

She said now, in her pleasant, soft voice: ”How do you do,

Sarel-Jacomina, I'm very glad to meet you.

I hope that when we have got to know each other, we shall be good friends.

' They didn't answer, and Sarre, who had turned away to say something to his brother but had obviously been listening, observed: ”Oh, I'm sure of that.

Now you had both better go up to Nanny and tidy yourselves for lunch.

' ”Yes, Papa, and may we take Alethea with us to meet Nanny?

' Sarre hesitated.

”There's not much time-Alethea wants a drink with us.

Nanny might keep her.

' ”We won't let her.

Papa.

Just two minutes, please.

' He smiled down at them.

”Well, what does Alethea say?

' ”T'd like to meet Nanny,” said Alethea promptly, and wondered what

was in store for her.

She was soon to know.

They were on their way upstairs when Sarel asked: ”Do you speak our

language, Alethea?

' She glanced at him.

He was a good-looking little boy with his father's fine features and

blue eyes.

His hair was the colour of lint and he had the endearing boniness of

all small boys.

He returned her look with a limpid one of his own and then smiled when she said: ”Not one word.

I hope you'll both help me to learn it, Sarel.

' ”You and Nanny won't be able to understand each other,” observed Jacomina with satisfaction.