“Awkward if the girl wanted to blow her nose,” said the practical Mr. Thesiger.

Lady Coote laid down her wool-work and looked searchingly but kindly at him.

“Come now,” she said. “Isn’t there some nice girl that you fancy? That you’d like to work and make a little home for?”

Jimmy blushed and mumbled.

“I thought you got on very well with one of those girls at Chimneys that time⁠—Vera Daventry.”

“Socks?”

“They do call her that,” admitted Lady Coote. “I can’t think why. It isn’t pretty.”

“Oh, she’s a topper,” said Jimmy. “I’d like to meet her again.”