Later in the afternoon they had seen grey-flannelled legs approaching and risen to go.
They met the dark girl walking down the gravel path towards the orchard, carrying a trayful of crockery.
‘We’ve come to pay you,’ said Jennifer radiantly smiling.
She gave the price without a flicker.
‘Judith, have you that much on you, darling?’ said Jennifer, and added, turning again to the girl: ‘We have so enjoyed ourselves.’
There was no response save a quick suspicious glance.
Currant bushes, wallflowers, narcissi, pansies, yellow daisies and tulips blossomed richly on each side of the path.
‘What a delicious garden!’ said Jennifer. ‘It’s at its very best, isn’t it?’
‘It’s looking nice,’ she admitted.
Jennifer pointed to a clump of stiff, serious purple-black tulips.