Part 37 (2/2)
”Suppose you were very poor, Mr. Triggs,” began Patricia.
”I was when I married,” interrupted Mr. Triggs.
”Suppose you were very poor,” continued Patricia, ”and you loved someone very rich. What would you do?”
”G.o.d bless my soul! I never thought of that. You see Emily 'adn't anything. She only got sixteen pounds a year.”
Lady Tanagra turned her head aside and blinked her eyes furiously.
”But suppose, Mr. Triggs,” persisted Patricia, ”suppose you loved someone who was very rich and you were very poor. What would you do?
Would you tell them?”
For a moment Patricia allowed her eyes to glance in the direction of Elton, and saw that his gaze was fixed upon Mr. Triggs.
”But what 'as money got to do with it?” demanded Mr. Triggs, a puzzled expression on his face.
”Exactly!” said Patricia. ”That's what I wanted to know.”
”Money sometimes has quite a lot to do with life,” remarked Elton to no one in particular.
”With life, Mr. Elton,” said Mr. Triggs; ”but not with love.”
”You are an idealist,” said Lady Tanagra.
”Am I?” said Mr. Triggs, with a smile.
”And he is also a dear,” said Patricia.
Mr. Triggs looked at her and smiled.
Lady Tanagra and Elton drove off, Patricia saying that she wanted a walk. Mr. Triggs also declined Lady Tanagra's offer of a lift.
”She wanted me to bring 'er with me,” announced Mr. Triggs as they strolled along by the Serpentine.
”Who did?”' enquired Patricia.
”'Ettie. Ran up to change 'er things and sent out for a taxi.”
”And what did you say?” enquired Patricia.
”I didn't say anything; but when the taxi come I just slipped in and came along 'ere. Fancy 'Ettie and Lady Tanagra!” said Mr. Triggs.
”No,” he added a moment later. ”It's no good trying to be what you ain't. If 'Ettie was to remember she's a builder's daughter, and not think she's a great lady, she'd be much 'appier,” said Mr. Triggs with unconscious wisdom.
”Suppose I was to try and be like Mr. Elton,” continued Mr. Triggs, ”I'd look like a fool.”
”We all love to have you just as you are, Mr. Triggs, and we won't allow you to change,” said Patricia.
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