“There now, you see, that’s what you’re coming to! Who ever heard of having children upon vegetables? It is not possible. But you never have large families in England now; I suppose you are too busy with your suffragetting. Now I have had nine children, and they are all alive, thank God. Fine, healthy babies—though after the first one was born I had to—”
“How wonderful!” I cried.
“Wonderful,” said the Widow contemptuously, replacing the hairpin in the knob which was balanced on the top of her head. “Not at all! A friend of mine had four at the same time. Her husband was so pleased he gave a supper-party and had them placed on the table. Of course she was very proud.”
“Germany,” boomed the Traveller, biting round a potato which he had speared with his knife, “is the home of the Family.”
Followed an appreciative silence.
The dishes were changed for beef, red currants and spinach. They wiped their forks upon black bread and started again.
“How long are you remaining here?” asked the Herr Rat.
“I do not know exactly. I must be back in London in September.”
“Of course you will visit München?”
“I am afraid I shall not have time. You see, it is important not to break into my ‘cure.’”