“Of course I cut myself to-night. I always do when I go to the club.”

“Herbert, dear,” said Mrs. Heywood rather nervously.

“I—I suppose Clare is not going to bless you with a child?”

In this flat!”

Herbert was startled and horrified. It was a great shock to him. He gazed round the little drawing-room rather wildly.

“Oh, Lord!” he said presently, when he had calmed down a little. “Don’t suggest such a thing. Besides, she is not.”

“Well, I’m nervous about her,” said Mrs. Heywood.

“Oh, rats, mother! I mean, don’t be so fanciful.”

“I don’t like this sudden craving for religion, Herbert. It’s unhealthy.”

“Devilish unhealthy,” said Herbert.