She had never heard Raymond say anything nice of Mrs. Ashton––he had always spoken about her in a bitter, half sneering way.
She looked across to June timidly.
“Do you always judge people by what you call ‘instinct’?” she asked. “When I first knew you you told me that you felt sure you would like me before ever you saw me, and–––”
“And I was right,” June said triumphantly. “I nearly always am right when I get an instinct about anything. Micky says it’s all rot!––there I am, talking about him 86 again––it’s a habit, so don’t notice it! But even he has to admit how often I am right; I could give you dozens of instances.”
Esther did not pursue the subject; she was remembering how June had said that she had an “instinct” that Raymond was not nice.
“I think you’re the most original person I’ve ever met,” she said with a little smile.
June laughed.
“Eccentric, Micky says I am–––” she answered, then broke off with a comical look of despair. “You really must excuse me for everlastingly dragging him in,” she apologised. “As I said before, it’s a habit––and there goes the dinner gong. Are we going to feed here to-day?”
Esther rose from the chair.
“I am,” she said. “And I’m hungry, so I do hope there’s something nice.”