Part 23 (1/2)

What wonderful toys you have.

If you're ready should we be getting back to your papa?

' The children said something to Nanny and she answered briefly and then nodded just as briefly at Alethea, who nonetheless wished her goodbye for all the world as though they were the best of friends, and then accompanied the children downstairs again, talking cheerfully the whole way, trying not to mind their monosyllabic replies.

The men got up as they entered the garden room and Sarre brought her a sh.e.l.ly.

”Did the children introduce you to Nanny?

' he wanted to know, 'and I hope they translated for you both their English is pretty good.

' ”It's super,” declared Alethea.

”Nanny must be a marvellous person.

I expect she loves them very much.

' He had pulled up a chair beside her.

”Oh, she does she spoils them too,” he smiled at her.

”That's where you come in, my dear.” The children were sitting with

their uncle, but near enough to hear their father's conversation.

Alethea said carefully: ”No one could ever take Nanny's place.

She's something special, isn't she?

' She was aware as she spoke that the children had heard her, were

listening to every word she uttered, would in fact do so while she was

in their father's house.

Perhaps, she mused hopefully, by the time she was married to Sarre, they would be used to the idea.

They went in to lunch presently, a meal served in a lofty panelled room with a large circular table to seat sixteen people and a great carved sideboard taking up the whole of one wall.

The one tall window was draped with rich crimson velvet curtains and matched the glowing colours of the carpet, reflected in a more subdued manner by the portraits on the walls.

The whole made a fitting background for the white table linen and s.h.i.+ning silver and gla.s.s.

Al waited at table, a.s.sisted by a cheerful young girl.

He was excellent at his job too, Alethea discovered.

For all his funny c.o.c.kney manner, he was now the picture of a dignified manservant.

And the food was delicious.

Alethea, hungry after their journey and all the excitement, ate with pleasure, exchanging lighthearted conversation with Wien and and rather more serious remarks with Sarre.

He seemed older now that he was in his own home and a little remote, but his smile when he looked at her was just as friendly.

Towards the end of the meal he told her: ”T simply must go to my rooms this afternoon---will you forgive me if I leave you alone?

We'll go out this evening if you wish, or stay home, just as you

like.

' ”T'd like to stay here,” said Alethea promptly, 'and be taken round the house.

We didn't have time.

' ”Of course.

the children go to bed at half past seven and I usually dine at eight

o'clock if I'm in.

Will that suit you?

' ”Oh, yes.

You don't have to go to the hospital this evening?

' He shook his head.

”No--not unless something turns up.