‘Must I?’
‘Yes, because then you’ll be beautiful.’
She was still speechless when Mariella, Martin, two Great Danes and the puppy came in.
‘Hullo!’ said Mariella. ‘Still here?’
‘I’m afraid so. But I’m just going.’
‘She’s not. She’s staying to supper,’ said Julian.
‘Oh, good,’ said Martin surprisingly; and his shy red face smiled at her.
‘Of course you must,’ said Mariella cheerfully. ‘We’re just going to eat now. Where’s Roddy?’
‘He stayed down at the boathouse. He said he’d come soon.’
‘He’d better,’ said Julian, and turning to Judith explained politely: ‘What with poor Martin having to build himself up so, experience has proved it’s wiser to be punctual.’