‘And my feet are so cold I can’t feel them,’ went on Charlie. ‘Three great gawps, that’s what we are, three great gawps.’ He looked at Mariella’s back. ‘And Mariella’s easily the gawpest.’
That seemed to unburden him, for he suddenly threw off his bad temper and laughed.
‘Put on your skates, chaps,’ he said. ‘We’ll do our damndest.’
He began to whistle and sat down, struggling with his boots.
‘Judith shall show us how it’s done. She is so extremely able.’ He looked at her, giving her his attention for the first time, and charmingly smiled. His eyes were amazing when they looked full at you—brilliant, icy-blue, a little too wide open. His long red girlish lips still parted a trifle in repose; and the whole head had a breath-taking extravagance of beauty.
‘How are you, Judith?’ he said. ‘Do you remember the dear old days?’
‘Yes, I do.’
What self-possession he had! She was not up to him. He lost interest in her, and went on with his boots, fiercely whistling.
‘Do you really still live here, Judith?’ said Mariella.
‘Yes, really. Where do you live?’