Part 31 (2/2)

She succeeded: perhaps there was the faintest mark along the margins, but she was sure that only she could see it because she knew where the patch had been.

She put the hair dryer back, just in time, because Sarre knocked on the door and came in.

He hadn't changed yet and he had only fifteen minutes in which to do so, but he showed no sign of haste.

”That's a charming dress,” he remarked, and stood to study her before crossing the thick carpet to where she stood with her back to the window.

He had a flat case in his hand; he opened it now and laid it down on the dressing table.

There was a necklace of Russian sapphires and diamonds inside, a delicate thing, glowing with colour.

He put it round her neck and fastened it and stood back to have a look.

”Very nice.

I hope you like it, my dear.

It was my grandmother's.

There are earrings too--are your ears pierced?

' Alethea said yes in a rather dim voice.

The magnificence of the necklace had left her without words.

She took the jewels he handed her and slipped them into her ears; pear-shaped drops, surrounded by diamonds, matching the necklace and ring.

”T don't know what to say,” she began.

”I've never had anything so lovely in my life before.

' He smiled.

”Grandmother would have loved you in them,” he said.

”They become you very well.

Have we time for a drink before I dress?

' ”No but we'll have one.

' She added with a smile: ”T think I need one I'm a bit scared!

' They went downstairs to the drawing room and he poured their

drinks.

”Is that what it is?

' he wanted to know.

”What do you mean?

' ”You're er ruffled.

You are such a serene person, Alethea, but this evening something is

upsetting you.

' She hadn't known that he noticed her like that.

She said quickly: ”No I'm just very excited.

' She sat down in a little armchair, her silken skirts billowing around

her.

”Have the children seen your dress?

' he asked.

”Yes I went upstairs a little while ago.

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