"Have you heard of the frightful thing that has happened?"
"Yes. It isn't very often, I understand, that a serious accident happens. It is just bad luck that it should be Demonstration Day."
"Oh, the accident, yes. But do you know that Catherine says she can't come to Larborough tonight? This has upset things, she says. She must stay here. But that is absurd. Did you ever hear anything more absurd? If there has been some kind of upset that is all the more reason why she should be taken out of herself for a little. I have arranged everything. I even got special flowers for our table tonight. And a birthday cake. It's her birthday next Wednesday."
Lucy wondered if any other person within the bounds of Leys knew when Catherine Lux's birthday was.
Lucy did her best to sympathise, but said gently that she saw Miss Lux's point of view. After all, the girl was seriously injured, and it was all very worrying, and it would no doubt seem to her a little callous to go merrymaking in Larborough.
"But it isn't merrymaking! It is just a quiet supper with an old friend. I really can't see why because some student has had an accident she should desert an old friend. You talk to her, Miss Pym. You make her see reason."
Lucy said she would do her best but could offer no hope of success since she rather shared Miss Lux's ideas on the subject.
"You, too! Oh, my God!"
"I know it isn't reasonable. It's even absurd. But neither of us would be happy and the evening would be a disappointment and you don't want that to happen? Couldn't you have us tomorrow night instead?"
"No, I'm catching a train directly the evening performance is over. And of course, it being Saturday, I have a matinee. And anyhow, I'm playing Romeo at night and that wouldn't please Cath at all. It takes her all her time to stand me in Richard III. Oh dear, the whole thing is absurd."