11‘I can’t think why you want it,’ said Ella Harrison.
Fred Worple flashed his teeth in what he considered to be a fascinating smile.
‘You don’t have to think about it at all, ducks.’
They were lunching together in town. Since a crowd of people were doing the same thing and a jazz band was playing, it was as good a place for private conversation as anyone could wish. To both of them noise, glitter and plenty to drink were the essentials of enjoyment. Mr Worple’s hint that she could mind her own business was not taken amiss. She said,
‘You know, I could help you if I had any idea of what you were driving at.’
‘I just want to buy that house—that’s all.’
‘Sure?’
‘Certain.’
‘It’s too big for you.’
‘Not when I get married and have half a dozen kids.’
There was a sharp anger in her. Sh
