'Well, it's this. Cicely and I have a flat in St. James' Square. I'm there very little just now, and she less. You know we're both awfully busy at Carton. We've had a rush of wounded the last few weeks. I must be up sometimes on business for the hospital, but I can always sleep at my club. So what I want to persuade you to do, Miss Cookson, is to get Mrs. Sarratt to accept the loan of our flat, for a few weeks while she's kept in town. It would be a real pleasure to us. We're awfully sorry for her!'
He beamed upon her, all his handsome face suffused with kindness and concern.
Bridget was amazed, but cautious.
'It's awfully good of you—but—shouldn't we have to get a servant? I couldn't do everything.'
Sir William laughed.
'Gracious—I should think not! There are always servants there—it's kept ready for us. I put in a discharged soldier—an army cook and his wife—a few months ago. They're capital people. I'm sure they'd look after you. Well now, will you suggest that to Mrs. Sarratt? Could I see her?'
Bridget hesitated. Some instinct told her that Nelly would not wish to accept this proposal. She said slowly—
'I'm afraid she's very tired to-night.'
'Oh, don't bother her then! But just try and persuade her—won't you—quietly? And send me a word to-night.'
He gave the address.