‘Oh, that old busybody. I am as well as can be expected. I am in mourning of course and that certainly affects one’s pallor and demeanour.’
‘Of course. I called only out of neighbourly concern. Just to be sure that you are… safe.’
Miss Barrett looked at Cuff for a moment. ‘Safe,’ she murmured and then forced a smile. ‘Of course. I assure you there is no need for concern.’ She rearranged her dress awkwardly and then turned her attention to the window through which she could glimpse the garden. It was an act of dismissal. Cuff acted upon it. He rose, replaced the chair and backed towards the door.
‘I’ll take up no more of your time,’ he said. ‘I am pleased to see you are bearing up nicely. And… er… congratulations on the forthcoming nuptials.’
‘Thank you,’ she replied softly, still viewi
