"Cruelty to children, isn't it?"
Miss Dobbs smiled thoughtfully. "Don't you think his eyes are rather nice?" she said.
"He's got a lot in his face," said Miss Bonser. "That's a face that's seen things. And I'm not so sure, dear, that he is such a juggins as we fancy."
"We'll hope not at any rate," said Miss Dobbs coolly.
"Still, I like a man with a punch in him myself."
"Perhaps I'll be able to improve him a bit. He hardly knows he's born at present."
"That's true, dear," said Miss Bonser, with a rather indiscreet gurgle.
"It's nothing to laugh at, Zoe." To the surprise of her friend, Miss Dobbs seemed a little hurt.
"Well, well." Miss Bonser flung away the end of her cigarette.