Sun And Candlelight Part 9

bit bare without those curtains, and as for you.

Miss Alethea, you'd do well to go and wash your face and hands and comb your hair for your breakfast.

' "The worst of these old family servants and friends," remarked Mr van Diederijk, ushered into the sitting room by Alethea, 'is that having known you since you were so high, they never allow you to grow up.

I know--I've one at home.

' "The one who bakes the cakes?

' "The very same.

Are you on duty tomorrow?

' She paused at the door.

"Yes--I drove down.

' "Ah, well--I'll drive you back.

You can always come down by train and drive back next time?

' "Well, yes, I could.

But I'm not going until this evening.

' "Ah--I'm invited to spend the day?

' His voice was bland.

"T shall enjoy that.

Besides, I can hang those curtains for you.

' Alethea was much struck, when at the end of the day she was sitting

beside Mr van Diederijk on their way back to Theobald's, at the

pleasant time she--indeed all of them--had had. Her grandmother had liked him and had spent quite some time in conversation with him while Alethea and Mrs Bustle got lunch, and as for the housekeeper, he was an instant success, and although he didn't get Dun dee cake for his tea, he certainly had his appet.i.te coaxed with featherlight sponges, home-made scones and Mrs Bustle's own jam.

And when they left she was surprised at her grandmother's sincere wish that he should call again.

And he had agreed to do so, too.

"It was rather a quiet day for you," she ventured as he sent the Jaguar racing ahead.

"T like quiet days.

What gave you the idea that I didn't?

' he wanted to know.

"Nothing--only you live in London and I expect you go out a good

deal.

' "T live in Groningen, too, and I like nothing better than to be at home.

' He overtook the cars ahead of him and steadied the car's pace.

"And you?

' He glanced at her.

"Your grandmother tells me that you're thinking of leaving Theobald's.

A good idea, but of course you can only leave for one reason.

' She turned to look at him.

"What do you mean?

' "Be bright, dear girl.

If you leave to go to another job, your Nick is going to hear of it and he'll know you're running away.

If you leave, it must be to get married.

' Alethea sat up, scattering her handbag and its contents all over the

floor.

"There, look what you've made me do!

' she declared unfairly.

"We'll pick everything up presently.

Did you hear what I said, Alethea?

' "Yes--but how can I do that?

I don't know anyone--and besides, I don't want to get married.

' She swallowed.

"Well, you know what I mean, only if it's Nick.

' She added crossly: "And I don't know why I talk to you like this.

' He ignored everything she had said.

"We'll have to see," was all he said, and he went on to talk about the

morrow's work.

He was, she decided, very annoying at times, pretending not to hear, probably not listening.

She wished him a rather snappy goodnight and was rendered speechless

when he suddenly pulled her close and kissed her.

When she had her breath back she demanded indignantly: "What was that for?

' "A matter of expediency--your Nick came into the hall and it seemed a good idea to give him something to think about.

There's nothing like a little compet.i.tion.

' "Thank you," said Alethea.

Young men usually kissed her because they wanted to, Mr van Diederijk apparently did it by way of necessity; she wasn't sure if she minded or not.

She wished him goodnight for a second time and went to her room.

She had hoped to see Nick as she went, but there was no sign of him.

Surely if he had any feeling left for her at all he would have wanted to know why Mr van Diederijk had kissed her?

She sighed; she was wasting time, her pride told her, and the sooner she left the better.

"But I'll not get married," she told herself out loud.

CHAPTER THREE.

she was of the same mind the next morning and indeed she was of a mind to tell Mr van Diederijk this if she had the opportunity.

But there was no chance to speak to him.

True, he paid a fleeting visit to the ward, elegant and rather awe inspiring in his dark grey suiting and expensive tie, but he was very much the consultant; beyond wis.h.i.+ng him a pleasant good morning, proffering the notes of the case which he wished to see and escorting him to the ward door with an equally pleasant goodbye, Alethea prudently said nothing.