"There may be an excursion."
"Very likely."
"Would you like to read the letter, my dear?"
Her brows were doubtful. "Oh yes, thank you." She read it. Clara had included her in the invitation. She handed back the sheet.
It was a little while before he said: "You notice that she asks for you?"
"Yes, it's very kind of her. Please thank her, nicely and regretfully." She added lightly, finally: "And do be careful not to take cold up there. I suppose you won't stay longer than a week?"
Blinking, he put the letter in his pocket. "Not so long as that. Three days perhaps."
She nodded. The subject was dismissed.
On New Year's Eve, Theresa was kept late at work, for the affairs of twelve months had to be finally set in order, and long after the usual hour Neville and she had tea together. Simon Smith was out, and these two sat by the hearth with the tea-table between them and a shaded lamp to light the luxurious room they called the office.
"This is comfortable," said he.