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she spoke, however, she gave no sign of any violent feeling.

“For goodness’ sake don’t carry your flirtations into the kitchen, Gerald,” she remarked contemptuously. “If you want to make love to Miss Merrill, take her out on the veranda, and I’ll finish the dinner. But I warn you, Miss Merrill, he’s not to be taken seriously. He can’t help making love to every woman he meets. It’s an affliction, poor dear. I’ve known him long enough to overlook it.”

“I shouldn’t dream of taking him seriously at any time,” said Ann. “He’s supposed to be shelling peas at the moment.”

“Where's Emily?”

“I sent her down to the garage to find my cigarette case which I have in my pocket. I thought I could talk more comfortably to Miss Merrill alone. You’re quite right, Vera, I was making a mild attempt at flirtation. Unfortunately, Miss Merrill seems more interested in the mutton.”

“I happen to realize that the dinner is of a great deal more importance to you than I am. Very unromantic, of course, to admit it, but I sadly fear it’s true,”

The tension of Vera’s face relaxed.

“Do you think you’re ever going to get those peas done in time, Gerald?”

“Not unless you come and help me.”

“I can’t sit here in the heat—my head’s awful.”

“All right, I’ll take them out on to the veranda. You’ve got to do your share, though—no putting all the work on to me. Come along.”

To Ann’s great relief they left the kitchen together. Had she been quite truthful in all she had said to