“So you’re thinking of a partnership with my dear old friend here?”
Her soft voice, softer than her daughter’s, seemed to insinuate itself into his mind, percolating here and there. Pawley answered her:
“Really, we have only just settled it.”
“Capital. And how do you like my dear village? Perhaps a foolish question. If you didn’t like it, you wouldn’t choose to live here.”
Grimshaw recovered his self-possession. He spoke as tranquilly as his hostess, but with renewed alertness.
“I spent yesterday afternoon and this morning wandering about Upworthy.”
“We are very proud of Upworthy. Our roses——! I have always encouraged my people to grow sweet-smelling flowers.”
The young man recalled Cicely’s injunction. At the same time he told himself that this first interview was all important. As an honest man, he must make plain his position. To do so without giving offence became a highly stimulating mental exercise.
“Botanically,” he replied, “Upworthy is remarkable. From a doctor’s point of view, Lady Selina——”
“Yes? I am anxious to hear your verdict. I value nothing so much as candour.”