“Oh, no one takes any notice of that nowadays,” said Ethel.
“I’m going to,” said Laurence. “I think it’s a beautiful idea. Its meaning, you know ... true love.... If I send you a Valentine, will you accept it?”
“That depends on the Valentine,” said Ethel with a smile.
“It’s the thought that’s behind it that’s the vital thing,” said Laurence soulfully. “It’s that that matters. Ethel ... you’re in all my waking dreams.”
“I’m sure I’m not,” said Ethel.
“You are.... Has anyone told you before that you’re a perfect Botticelli?”
“Heaps of people,” said Ethel calmly.
“I was thinking about love last night,” said Laurence. “Love at first sight. That’s the only sort of love.... When first I saw you my heart leapt at the sight of you.” Laurence was a great reader of romances. “I think that we’re predestined for each other. We must have known each other in former existences. We——”
“Do speak up,” said William irritably. “You’re speaking so low that I can’t hear what you’re saying.”
“What!”