"No, probably she isn't your cup of tea," Nevil said tolerantly. "You have always preferred them a little stupid, and blond, haven't you." This was said without malice, as one stating a dullish fact.
"I can't imagine why you should think that."
"All the women you nearly married were that type."
"I have never 'nearly married' anyone," Robert said stiffly.
"That's what you think. You'll never know how nearly Molly Manders landed you."
"Molly Manders?" Aunt Lin said, coming in flushed from her cooking and bearing the tray with the sherry. "Such a silly girl. Imagined that you used a baking-board for pancakes. And was always looking at herself in that little pocket mirror of hers."
"Aunt Lin saved you that time, didn't you, Aunt Lin?"
"I don't know what you are talking about, Nevil dear. Do stop prancing about the hearthrug, and put a log on the fire. Did you like your French film, dear?"
"I didn't go. I had tea at The Franchise instead." He shot a glance at Robert, having learned by now that there was more in Robert's reaction than met the eye.
"With those strange people? What did you talk about?"