He laughed.

"And—I think women are all good," at which he bolted across the garden, called a good-bye, raised his hat, and disappeared through the gate.

"That is the thinnest man I have ever seen," said Nanty somewhat unromantically.

"I don't think he gets enough to eat."

She started.

"Housekeepers are poor sort of creatures—selfish, thoughtless, heartless," I generalised, not having known one.

Nanty looked at the sweet-peas.

"I am sure he is often hungry."

She started again, and getting up from her seat walked across the lawn and back to me.

"Where does he live?" she asked abruptly.