There was a short pause.

“That’s extraordinarily nice of you, Elizabeth,” Cynthia said. “Do you mean it?”

“Yes, oh yes! But I thought perhaps you’d— rather not?”

“Well, of course you haven’t had much experience with small boys,” Cynthia replied deliberately. “Still, I don’t see that I need worry.”

“I—didn’t mean that—exactly.”

“Didn’t you? Look here—you can’t, but no matter— If I send him are you sure he won’t tire you out? He’s fairly rampageous, you know.”

“Of course he won’t. And Nana will know what to do if anything happens, won’t she? When shall I come to fetch him?”

“Anthony wants to bear me off on Friday. Would Thursday suit you?”

“Yes, any day. It’s—nice of you to let me have him, Cynthia.”

“I don’t quite see it. The niceness seems to be on your side. I’ll thank you properly when you come to fetch Christopher.”

“Please, don’t!” Elizabeth said. “Would you like to speak to Stephen again?”

“Not a bit, thanks. Till Thursday, then.”

“Yes. Goodbye.”

“Short and sweet,” Stephen remarked. “I gather we are to fetch the Cherubic One on Thursday?”

“How clever of you!” she said, dimpling. “Stephen, won’t it be fun?”

“We shall see,” he said. “Rather strenuous fun if I know anything about Christopher.”

“I don’t mind that,” she answered.

Christopher celebrated the first evening of his visit by howling lustily for “Marmar.” Nana exhorted him in vain; Elizabeth’s blendishments increased his tears. Stephen appeared upon the scene, and there fell a slight lull. Christopher sat up.

“Look here, my worthy nephew, how do you suppose I am to work when you kick up this unholy din? What’s the matter?”

“Don’t ask him that, for heaven’s sake!” Elizabeth said hastily.

“Want Marmar!” sobbed Christopher.

“Oh, Lord!” Stephen said ruefully.

“Pick him up!” demanded Christopher, who generally referred to himself in the third person.

Stephen obeyed.

“Anything else I can do for you, my lord?”

“Take him downstairs,” Christopher advised him.

“What do you think?” Stephen asked.

“I think he ought to stay in bed,” Elizabeth answered, “but perhaps it would be more peaceful if he came down to the library for a bit.”