Miss Lawson hurried out.
Dr Tanios monopolized the conversation at the dinner-table most of the time. He told amusing stories of his life in Smyrna.
The party went to bed early. Miss Lawson carrying wool, spectacles, a large velvet bag and a book accompanied her employer to her bedroom chattering happily.
Really most amusing, Dr Tanios. He is such good company! Not that I should care for that kind of life myself One would have to[32] boil the water, I expect And goats milk, perhapssuch a disagreeable taste
Miss Arundell snapped:
Dont be a fool, Minnie. You told Ellen to call me at half-past six?
Oh, yes, Miss Arundell. I said no tea, but dont you think it might be wiserYou know, the vicar at Southbridgea most conscientious man, told me distinctly that there was no obligation to come fasting
Once more Miss Arundell cut her short[33].
Ive never yet taken anything before Early Service and Im not going to begin now. You can do as you like.
Oh, noI didnt meanIm sure
Miss Lawson was flustered and upset.
Take Bobs collar off, said Miss Arundell.
The slave hastened to obey.
Still trying to please she said:
Such a pleasant evening. They all seem so pleased to be here.
Hmph, said Emily Arundell. All here for what they can get.
Oh, dear Miss Arundell
My good Minnie, Im not a fool whatever else I am! I just wonder which of them will open the subject first.
She was not long left in doubt on that point. She and Miss Lawson returned from attending Early Service just after nine. Dr and Mrs Tanios were in the dining-room, but there were no signs of the two Arundells. After breakfast, when the others had left, Miss Arundell sat on, entering up some accounts in a little book.
Charles entered the room about ten.
Sorry Im late, Aunt Emily. But Theresas worse. Shes not unclosed an eyelid yet.
At half-past ten breakfast will be cleared away, said Miss Arundell. I know it is the fashion not to consider servants nowadays, but that is not the case in my house.
Good. Thats the true diehard spirit!
Charles helped himself to kidneys and sat down beside her.
His grin, as always, was very attractive. Emily Arundell soon found herself smiling indulgently at him. Emboldened by this sign of favour, Charles plunged.
Look here, Aunt Emily, sorry to bother you, but Im in the devil of a hole[34]. Can you possibly help me out? A hundred would do it.
His aunts face was not encouraging. A certain grimness showed itself in her expression.
Emily Arundell was not afraid of speaking her mind[35]. She spoke it.
Miss Lawson hustling across the hall almost collided with Charles as he left the dining-room. She glanced at him curiously. She entered the dining-room to find Miss Arundell sitting very upright with a flushed face.
CHAPTER 2. The Relations
Charles ran lightly up the stairs and tapped on his sisters door. Her answering Come in came promptly and he entered.
Theresa was sitting up in bed yawning.
Charles took a seat on the bed.
What a decorative female you are, Theresa, he remarked appreciatively.
Theresa said sharply:
Whats the matter?
Charles grinned.
Sharp, arent you? Well, I stole a march on you[36], my girl! Thought Id make my touch before you got to work.
Well?
Charles spread his hands downwards in negation.
Nothing doing[37]! Aunt Emily ticked me off[38] good and proper[39]. She intimated that she was under no illusions as to why her affectionate family had gathered round her! And she also intimated that the said affectionate family would be disappointed. Nothing being handed out but affectionand not so much of that.
You might have waited a bit, said Theresa drily.
Charles grinned again.
I was afraid you or Tanios might get in ahead of me. Im sadly afraid, Theresa my sweet, that therell be nothing doing this time. Old Emily is by no means[40] a fool.
I never thought she was.
I even tried to put the wind up[41] her.
What dyou mean? asked his sister sharply.
Told her she was going about it the right way to get bumped off[42]. After all she cant take the dibs to heaven with her. Why not loosen up a bit?
Charles, you are a fool!
No, Im not. Im a bit of a psychologist in my way. Its never a bit of good sucking up to the old girl[43]. She much prefers you to stand up to her[44]. And after all, I was only talking sense[45]. We get the money when she diesshe might just as well part with a little beforehand! Otherwise the temptation to help her out of the way might become overwhelming.
No, Im not. Im a bit of a psychologist in my way. Its never a bit of good sucking up to the old girl[43]. She much prefers you to stand up to her[44]. And after all, I was only talking sense[45]. We get the money when she diesshe might just as well part with a little beforehand! Otherwise the temptation to help her out of the way might become overwhelming.
Did she see your point[46]? asked Theresa, her delicate mouth curling up scornfully.
Im not sure. She didnt admit it. Just thanked me rather nastily for my advice and said she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself. Well, I said, Ive warned you. Ill remember it, she said.