“The butterfly emerging from the chrysalis. A wonderful picture. I have a very interesting work on political economy. I will look it out now, and you can take it to Chimneys with you. When you have finished it, I will discuss it with you. Do not hesitate to write to me if any point puzzles you. I have many public duties, but by unsparing work I can always make time for the affairs of my friends. I will look for the book.”
He strode away. Bundle gazed after him with a dazed expression. She was roused by the unexpected advent of Bill.
“Look here,” said Bill. “What the hell was Codders holding your hand for?”
“It wasn’t my hand,” said Bundle wildly. “It was my budding mind.”
“Don’t be an ass, Bundle.”
“Sorry, Bill, but I’m a little worried. Do you remember saying that Jimmy ran a grave risk coming down here?”
“So he does,” said Bill. “It’s frightfully hard to escape from Codders once he’s got interested in you. Jimmy will be caught in the toils before he knows where he is.”
“It’s not Jimmy who’s caught—it’s me,” said Bundle wildly. “I shall have to meet endless Mrs. Macattas, and read political economy and discuss it with George, and heaven knows where it will end!”
Bill whistled.
“Poor old Bundle. Been laying it on a bit thick, haven’t you?”
“I must have done. Bill, I feel horribly entangled.”
“Never mind,” said Bill consolingly. “George doesn’t really believe in women standing for Parliament, so you won’t have to stand up on