chimed in Gudrun. Now the mother’s natural hauteur became self-conscious, and the girls shrieked again.

‘Go home, you pair of idiots, great giggling idiots!’ cried the father inflamed with irritation.

‘Mm-m-er!’ booed Ursula, pulling a face at his crossness.

The yellow lights danced in his eyes, he leaned forward in real rage.

‘Don’t be so silly as to take any notice of the great gabies,’ said Mrs Brangwen, turning on her way.

‘I’ll see if I’m going to be followed by a pair of giggling yelling jackanapes — ’ he cried vengefully.

The girls stood still, laughing helplessly at