And then they’d go on to the little place he took such pride in being a member of. His only regret was that it wasn’t naughtier. It had never once been raided. And here she was soon beautifully muzzy, giggling up at him as they swayed about the room. Now she didn’t care if she was a cad or not. Part of the wall was made of looking-glass. She kept catching sight of herself. Really, she had to admit, those eyes were pretty striking—and how really exquisitely I dance. She sparkled at him. He was flushed with happiness. In the taxi coming home she’d fairly ask for it. He kissed nicely. Life is so terribly complicated, she thought, stroking his hair. I suppose I oughtn’t to be doing this. Why the hell not? Oh damn, we’re in the King’s Road already.

“I say, Anne, you are marvellous.”

“Good old Tommy.”

When they arrived at the mews she generally had enough sense to insist on his keeping the taxi and going straight back to his digs. Otherwise, he got maudlin. To make up, she kissed him in front of the driver. I am a harlot, she thought.

And next morning, of course, there’d be the usual reaction. It wasn’t fair. If he were just an ordinary young idiot—and she’d met plenty. But Tommy was different. He really adored her. What a pleasing thought. She couldn’t help grinning as she pronounced the word mentally to herself. But no, it wasn’t fair. It would be almost better if she were just a harpy, luring him on. But I am fond of him, Anne thought. That’s what makes it so immoral. I blow hot and blow cold. If only the poor darling hadn’t given himself away so completely. He would put all his cards on the table. He was utterly reckless. He liked to humiliate himself. And that made it so much worse for her. This fatal feeling of security made her tease, patronise him. She behaved vilely. And she knew that he went home and brooded over every word she’d uttered, wondering: Now what, exactly, did she mean by that?