“I don't. I assume it because I know you awfully well, my child. What are you doing here, anyway? I thought you weren't on speaking terms with Arnold.”

“I wasn't. But something happened, and I wanted to see him at once, so I came down -”

He interrupted her. “What happened?”

“Well, that's private. Anyway -”

“Cut out the anyway,” returned her cousin. “You've called me in to act for you, Tony, and you must take me into your confidence.”

She set her elbows on the table and leaned her chin on her clasped hands, frowning. “I can't, altogether. However, I don't mind telling you that my reason for wanting to see Arnold was because he's started to interfere with my life again, and that made me see red.”

“What had he done?”

“Written me a stinking letter about -” She stopped. “About my engagement,” she said after a moment.

“I didn't know you were engaged,” remarked Giles. “Who is it this time?”

“Don't say who is it this time, as though I'd been engaged dozens of times! I've only been engaged once before.”

“Sorry. Who is it?”

“Rudolph Mesurier,” said Antonia.

“Do you mean that dark fellow in Arnold's Company?” asked Giles.

“Yes. He's the Chief Accountant.”

There was a short pause. “This is quite beside the point,” apologised Giles, “but what's the great idea?”

“Why shouldn't I marry Rudolph if I feel like it?”

“I don't know. I was wondering how you came to feel like it, that's all.”

She grinned suddenly. “You are a noxious cad, Giles. I do think I ought to marry someone or other, because Kenneth will, sooner or later, and I don't want to be left stranded.” A rather forlorn look came into her eyes. “I'm sick of being all alone, and having to look after myself, and, anyway, I like Rudolph a lot.”

“I see. And did Arnold object?”