And Clifford decided that Hilda, after all, was a decidedly intelligent woman, and would make a man a first-rate helpmeet, if he were going in for politics for example. Yes, she had none of Connie’s silliness, Connie was more a child: you had to make excuses for her, because she was not altogether dependable.

There was an early cup of tea in the hall, where doors were open to let in the sun. Everybody seemed to be panting a little.

“Goodbye, Connie girl! Come back to me safely.”

“Goodbye, Clifford! Yes, I shan’t be long.” Connie was almost tender.

“Goodbye, Hilda! You will keep an eye on her, won’t you?”

“I’ll even keep two!” said Hilda. “She shan’t go very far astray.”

“It’s a promise!”