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scend” to him, as she knew that secretly she did, just a little, “condescend.”

“You’re playing polo in the practice match against Omoana tomorrow, aren’t you?”

“So the boss says.”

“We’re coming down to watch the game—Mrs. Holmes and I, and the children. I believe we’re bringing tea.”

“Ever seen polo?”

“Yes, once or twice at Ranelagh.”

“Huh—Ranelagh!”

She knew from his tone that he’d heard of Ranelagh—that he was thinking she was being “superior” again.

“Why do you say ‘Ranelagh’ like that?” she asked.

“Like what?”

“In that half sneering way.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Yes, you do. You evidently think Ranelagh has rather a grand sound, and that I’m trying to be grand in saying I’ve been there.”

“Well, so it is, isn’t it?”

“Grand? Well, it’s a smart sort of club—but lots of people who aren’t a bit smart can get tickets at times. That’s how I went—I’m not at all grand.”

“I didn’t think you were, but I don’t like any one who puts on side.”

“Because I’m perfectly natural, you think I’m ‘putting on side,’ as you call it, when you said you’d been to Christchurch to the Grand National?”

“That’s different.”

“No, it isn’t, But I’m not going to argue with you. I’m very grateful to you for what you’ve done for me today, and I want you to believe that.”

He was silent, and after a moment she went on: