I laughed. "Your ladyship ought to be ashamed of yourself," I said.
"On the contrary, my ladyship is ashamed of you! I wouldn't be as great a goose as you are, Reggie, for ten thousand a year."
"It is about what I get for it," I murmured.
There was a pause whilst I opened a gate for our passing, and shut it again, and then I said: "By the way, my own, it is your birthday this week. What shall I get you for a present?"
Fay tripped beside me on the grass. She was very like a child in her movements. "I've had such lovely wedding presents from you that I really don't seem to have room for any more."
"Well, you must make room somehow. It would be against all my principles to let so great an occasion as your birthday pass unwept, unhonoured and unsung."
"I really couldn't make room for any more jewellery. I'm plastered over with it already, like a rough-cast house." I had had all my mother's diamonds reset for Fay, and had given her a string of pearls on my own account.
"Well then, a set of furs ready for the winter," I suggested. "It is a good time now for buying furs."
Fay shook her head. "Too expensive after all those lovely wedding presents."
"What nonsense, my darling! Nothing is too expensive for you."