His eyes were flickering on her all the time. She felt as is he were kissing her freely and malevolently. It made the colour burn in her cheeks, but her heart was quite firm and unfailing.

‘You think Rupert is off his head a bit?’ Gerald asked.

Her eyes flashed with acknowledgment.

‘As regards a woman, yes,’ she said, ‘I do. There IS such a thing as two people being in love for the whole of their lives — perhaps. But marriage is neither here nor there, even then. If they are in love, well and good. If not — why break eggs about it!’

‘Yes,’ said Gerald. ‘That’s how it strikes me. But what about Rupert?’

‘I can’t