‘Delighted to hear it, dear.’ When she had shopping to do, she frequently went up with him, so it did not surprise him. What would have surprised him was to know that she had despatched three telegrams, by means of Jemima, before he was up.
‘To John Selby, 53 Fenchurch Street, E.C. Will call eleven o’clock. Important business.—
Maude.’
‘To Lieutenant Selby, the Depôt, Canterbury. Please come up next train, meet me Fenchurch Street, eleven thirty. Important.—Maude.’
‘To Owen, 14 Shirley Lane, E.C. Will call twelve o’clock. Important.—mrs. Crosse.’
So she had opened her campaign.
‘By the way, Frank,’ said she, as they travelled up together, ‘to-morrow is your birthday.’
‘Yes, dear, it is,’ he answered lugubriously.
‘Dear me! What shall I give my boy for a birthday present? Nothing you particularly want?’
‘I have all I want,’ said he, looking at her.
‘Oh, but I think I could find something. I must look round when I am in town.’
She began her looking round by a visit to her father in Fenchurch Street. It was something new for him to get telegrams from Maude upon business, and he was very much surprised.
‘Looking remarkably well, my dear. Your appearance is a certificate of character to your husband. Well, and how is all at Woking? I hope the second cook proved to be a success.’