Nanny saw it too.

' It was an effort to keep her voice light, but she managed it.

"Jacomina would like a silk dress too, but Nanny thinks it's a waste

for a little girl.

She's quite right, of course, but do you suppose Jacomina could have one for her birthday or Christmas?

Something she could choose for herself.

' Sarre looked surprised.

"Well, of course, I had no idea.

' he broke off to smile warmly at her.

"You see how badly I needed a wife and the children a mother.

They've got all the right clothes, I hope?

' "Oh, rather, but you know what children are; they get a taste for

fashion when they're quite young these days.

' He put his gla.s.s down.

"Do exactly what you like, my dear--buy them what they want and like.

If Nanny doesn't approve, I'll smooth her down.

' He paused on his way to the door.

"She gets on well with you?

' His eyes were very searching.

"Oh, yes!

' "And the children?

' "Everything's just fine.

Will you have time to see them before we go?

' He nodded and went out of the room and straight up to the playroom.

The children were at the table, doing their homework, and Nanny was in

her usual chair.

There was a large damp patch on the floor near the door, and the bedraggled flowers had been thrust back any old how into the vase.

The children rushed at him and he nodded to Nanny, who had got to her

feet, looking uneasy.

He enquired after their day and then asked casually: "Who has been throwing the flowers around?

' Both children went scarlet, staring at him tongue-tied.

It was Nanny who began a long rambling explanation.

When she had finished, all Sarre said was: "Well, a good thing there wasn't anything or anyone in the way.

' He picked up Nero and fondled the puppy and watched his children relax.

Someone had been up to something, he decided.

It would be no good asking now; Nanny would only embark on another long-drawn-out fib.

He bade them a cheerful goodnight and went away to dress.

The evening was a tremendous success; the burgermeester and his lady

were elderly, kind and delighted with Alethea.

They handed her round the roomful of guests as though she had been

something precious and breakable, and after a few minutes of pure terror, she began to enjoy herself.

Sarre stayed with her until they went in to dinner and as her partners

were both middle-aged, rather learned gentlemen intent on entertaining her, she became quite easy with them, and afterwards, in the vast, grand drawing room, she found the ladies just as friendly.

They drove the short distance home in silence, but once indoors with Al hovering with coffee and the lamps alight in the drawing room, Sarre suggested that they should sit together for a little while before going to bed.

They were drinking their coffee when he remarked gently: "You have never looked lovelier, Alethea.

I'm very proud of you--you caused quite a sensation.

' "I'm glad you're pleased.

' She eyed him over her coffee cup.

He looked quite a sensation himself.

He got up and crossed over to where she was sitting on one of the sofas and sat down beside her.

She nearly dropped her cup when he picked up a fold other skirt.

"I'm sure no one else could see it, perhaps it's because I've been studying you so closely this evening--there's a very faint mark on your

skirt--water, perhaps?

' He smiled at her, his eyebrows raised slightly.

She put the cup down, unaware of the deep breath she took before she

spoke.

"Oh, lord, can you really see it?

I thought it had gone completely.

I--I spilt some water while I was dressing--such a b.u.t.terfingers--does

it show very much?

' "It's almost invisible," he a.s.sured her easily.

"So that's why you were uptight this evening.

' She was quite unaware of the relief in her face.

"Yes--I hoped no one would see it.

' She looked at him.

"T hope it's not spoilt.

' He sounded positively soothing.

"Let Mrs McCrea have it; she's a wizard with catastrophes.

Did she like the dress?

' Happy to be off dangerous ground, Alethea said: "Yes, and so did

Al.

They're dears.

' "You've seen more of them than of me, I'm afraid.

Things should be easier next week, though, Wien and will be back and

I'll be able to take some time off.

I have to go to Hamburg shortly, though, but remember that you're coming with me.

' She got to her feet, and he stood up, towering over her.

"T'll simply love that," she told him, 'and it was a lovely evening.

' She touched the necklace.

"And thank you for these.