‘I believe that is Hermione come now, with Gerald Crich. She wanted to see the rooms before they are furnished.’

‘I know,’ said Ursula. ‘She will superintend the furnishing for you.’

‘Probably. Does it matter?’

‘Oh no, I should think not,’ said Ursula. ‘Though personally, I can’t bear her. I think she is a lie, if you like, you who are always talking about lies.’ Then she ruminated for a moment, when she broke out: ‘Yes, and I do mind if she furnishes your rooms — I do mind. I mind that you keep her hanging on at all.’

He was silent now, frowning.

‘Perhaps,’ he said. ‘I don’t WANT her to furnish the rooms here —