I shook my head.
"Your wisdom leaves me breathless," I said. "I can't go further back than Victoria myself."
She laughed.
"Well, if I didn't know that, I shouldn't be much——" Then she suddenly stopped.
"You wouldn't be much what?" I asked.
"Never mind," she said. "Let's put these things away, and then I'll take you down and show you the Penguin. I'd like to know what you think of her."
* * * * * * *
To describe the next few days would be rather like trying to recapture some strange, delightful dream after one has woken up. I only know that the time hurried away at that absurd and unnecessary pace which Providence seems to reserve for the more charming moments of life. Of course, our surroundings were not unfavourable to romance; but, apart from that, Astarte was one of those fragrant people who have the power of throwing a kind of happy glamour over everything. Underneath all her self-possession and efficiency she had the heart of a frank and joyous child.
I shall never forget her delight when she helped me unpack Harrods' hamper on the first morning, and dragged out the various delicacies those thoughtful gentlemen had provided me with.
"Well, you're the sort of person I like to be asked to breakfast by," she laughed, dumping them down one after another. "A tongue, cold chicken, paté de foie gras, champagne, cigars. Oh, Stephen, you are greedy! Do you always look after yourself like this when you go exploring?"