She was still pleasurably occupied with these thoughts when they arrived at their table and sat down. They persisted under the light give-and-take of talk. Was he really quite fit again? What did it feel like, being out of the army after five years? Was he going to like being in a publishing firm?

“You-and books? A bit dry-as-dust somehow!”

A dazzling smile made the words a compliment.

Antony said coolly, “I happen to like books-a good deal.”

It went through his mind how eagerly he would have poured out all his plans, two years ago. It seemed incredible now.

She was saying, still looking at him, still smiling,

“I’m sure you’ll make the biggest success of it, darling.”

The word jarred. Common small change of her set though it was, it jarred. He said,

“I shall undoubtedly discover best sellers right and left.”

She laughed.

“You haven’t changed a bit!”

“Haven’t I? Let me return the ball. You look marvellous- but then you always did.”

“Thank you, darling! But a little less of the always, don’t you think? Rather dating, I’m afraid.”

“You don’t need to mind about that.”

She said, “Don’t be stupid,” in quite a natural voice.

That was the worst of it-it was too easy to be natural with Antony. It always had been. However much she struggled against it, there was the temptation to let go, to relax, to stop being what she wanted people to think her and just be herself-the self which she never allowed anyone to see-a self which Antony would probably not admire at all.

She laughed her pretty laugh.

“My dear, if I look like anything at all I’m a marvel. I’ve just had the most shattering experience.”

“Have you? Look here, I’ve ordered lunch-will you just take it as it comes?”

“Yes, please. You ought to know what I like-if you haven’t forgotten. But really, darling, I meant it about the shattering experience. I’ve been to see Memnon.”