``Yes, darling, and when we get tired of it we might try an alphabetical diet, having things beginning with a different letter every day. I would be hungry, nothing but jam and jellied eels ... What are your plans for the afternoon?''

``Nothing much. Carter's coming up at five to go over a few things. I may go over to Pigstanton after luncheon. I think we've got a tenant for Lowater Farm but it's been empty some time and I ought to see how much needs doing to it.''

``I wouldn't say `no' to going in to the `movies.' ``

``All right. I can easily leave Lowater till Monday.''

``And we might go to Woolworth's afterwards, eh?''

What with Brenda's pretty ways and Tony's good sense, it was not surprising that their friends pointed to them as a pair who were pre-eminently successful in solving the problem of getting along well together.

The pudding, without protein, was unattractive.

Five minutes afterwards a telegram was brought in. Tony opened it and said ``Hell.''

``Badders?''

``Something too horrible has happened. Look at this.''

Brenda read. Arriving 3.18 so looking forward visit. Beaver. And asked, ``What's Beaver?''

``It's a young man.''

``That sounds all right.''

``Oh no it's not, wait till you see him.''

``What's he coming here for? Did you ask him to stay?''

I suppose I did in a vague kind of way. I went to Brat's one evening and he was the only chap there so we had some drinks and he said something about wanting to see the house ...''

``I suppose you were tight.''

``Not really, but I never thought he'd hold it against me.''

``Well it jolly well serves you right. That's what comes of going up to London on business and leaving me alone here ... Who is he anyway?''

``Just a young man. His mother keeps that shop.''