Tenterhooks

Vi

'Mr Aylmer Ross.' It was a warm day, and though there was a fire the windows were open, letting in the scent of the mauve and pink hyacinths in the little window-boxes. She thought as she came

indly asked me to dine with you tonight, and I wasn't sure of the time. I thought I'd come and ask you.' He waited a minu

*

sent the note that he had brought with him. She was flattered. She though

an immense distance. 'I felt in the mood to stop at home and play the piano today. I'm de

moment. Thanks very much.... You were playing something

*

d except for their own amusement, or something of the kind; especially if they took no pride whatever in that accomplishment. But Edith

he said. 'Thanks.

ce. 'Of course. We had great

f immensely; part of

r horrid, Mr Ross. You wouldn't

l me, do I seem many years old

e any diffe

esn't go by hours, does it?... What a charming little room this is. I

uce to my idea by removing one thing at a time -photographs, pictures, horrid old wedding presents, all the little things people have. They suggest too ma

for a man alone; things seem to accumulate; especially pictures. I know such a lot of artists. I'm ve

y n

untry manners, but how nice your h

you very m

ange of tone and with his occasional impulsive brusqu

ldn't. He amuses me,'

portunity I wonder if I should a

d at all,' said Edith, look

ey. Let's go on with our talk of last night.... I feel it's rather like the Palace of Truth here; I don't know why. There

e most days, or we ta

to go to a tea-party at his flat next week. He was going to ask one or two other kindred spi

,' said Edith, 'wheth

leave. He nearly got up once

e you tonight,' h

es

you wear,

my mauve chiffon? What do

you wore l

h

y. I liked it. Er

was pink!'

ther of them seemed able to think of anything to sa

ced at the window. 'It's one of those sort of warm days t

eply, which was n

ause was

announced

m, and Aylmer Ross now recover

n a reproving tone. 'R

at time we dine. He

lives in Jermyn Street. I suppose Kn

ere?' sh

re,' sai

h. 'I saw the Cricker man beginning to d

n of Nijinsky wonde

the Mitchells, Vincy. It's really great fun there. Fancy, Bruce seems so delighted wi

ed away, I thought. The

so many things he'

e some

he's not fatuous, thou

ng sort of person or

ghted at thi

ll, it might be rather serious, if

So unusual. Do yo

ions. She's splendid about them.... She received them every day at breakfast-time for fifteen years. Anot

noticed

ed. But, do be just a teeny bit careful, Edith dear, be

k of one little visit, Vincy

the same day, on the first day, too.... Yes, I come over quite queer and you might have knock

ockney strain. It contrasted pleasantly with

Bruce,'

was filled with white heather, violets, lilies, jonquils, ga

! How ange

ey arrived just at the same time that I did. Brought by a

t bore the name of the minister of

impertinence. Upon my word I've more than half a mind to go and tell h

enor S

shall go straight to th

nd them back and write

in the habit of acc

I consider it a great l

nc

esay it's the custom in the place with the funny n

think I ought

t's a very oppressive

h! I thought you we

at a time. This is too mi

ho meant to be nice, no doubt, and to show his respect for Englishwomen. I think you