‘Fireworks! of all heavenly things! Hurrah for Martin!’
‘He only thought of it this afternoon, and he dashed into the town and bought up the whole stock. He sent me to fetch you. He says he must have you. Julian’s terrified of the big rocket and he wants you to persuade him to light it. And you’re to stay to supper afterwards. Mariella’s away for the night. Can you face it?’
‘Oh, how glorious!’
He gave her a hand and she jumped out of the window.
Roddy was in his best mood. He was friendly and talkative; his face was almost wide awake; his very hair looked alert, ruffled about his forehead; and he was sunburnt and clear-eyed, at his ease in grey flannels and yellow shirt and an ancient navy-blue coat.
The river had an enchanted beauty and stillness in the half-light. It was moon-coloured, with a dying flush in it; faint opal flickers lit the ripples that broke away on either side of the canoe.
‘It won’t be dark enough for a while, yet,’ said Roddy.
‘They’ll wonder where I am.’
‘Why? Didn’t you tell them?’
‘They didn’t know I’d slip off so soon.’