“Do they like you?”
“Oh, yes, so long as they suppose I think Evan perfect.”
“Does he object to them?”
“No, he talks to them about carburettors and their G.F.S. and the dogs.”
“Oh, well, that shows he can be all right if he’s interested,” Cyril remarked with some relief. “You evidently haven’t mastered the art of distraction that I warned you about, you remember.
‘J. is for James, Maria’s younger brother,
Who, walking one way, chose to look the other.’
That is the secret of married happiness, I find; to act like James.”
The front door banged and they heard Evan come upstairs. He stopped for a moment outside the door and then came in. “May I come in, Sir?” he asked, “I heard Evangeline was here. I’m very sorry I lost my temper at dinner. I’ve been round to Trotter and apologised; but I can’t stand that woman.”
“Oh, Evan, you are a good bird,” said Evangeline. “Come and sit down here and have a cigarette.”