Christopher round towards Renata, who had suddenly become grave and
shy.

"Here is Christopher, so you can approve or condemn Nevil by your own
judgment, Renata. Christopher, shake hands with Mrs. Aston."

Christopher did as he was told, but he realised they had been speaking
of him and felt on the defensive. However, he sat down as near to
Caesar as he could. They talked of all manner of people and things of
which he knew nothing, traditional jokes cropped up, and Aymer's
propensity for teasing asserted itself in a prominent manner. Renata
never failed to respond and never failed to claim Nevil's protection
and to look delightfully shy and dignified and feminine. Presently the
children were sent for. To Christopher's indignant amazement they were
plumped down on Aymer and allowed to treat him much as if he was a new
species of giant plaything. Charlotte, in her efforts to burrow under
Aymer's arm, rolled off the edge of the sofa and was deftly caught by
Christopher, who deposited her on the floor. She immediately tried to
clamber up again, but Aymer could not second her efforts with his left
arm.

"Put her up again, Christopher," he said.

But Christopher apparently did not hear, and Mr. Aston, who had been
watching, came to the rescue. Christopher slipped away to the window.

"A question of a third baby, I think," said Mr. Aston softly as he
rearranged Charlotte, and Aymer, looking sharply at Christopher,
laughed.

When Christopher went to bid him good-night, he found Caesar alone,
looking tired and doing nothing, not even reading.

Christopher said good-night gravely.

"It's not very late," remarked Aymer. "Stay with me a bit."

He patted the chair beside him. Christopher with rather a hot face
obeyed.

"How do you like Marden?"

"I--I don't know yet. There seems to be a lot of people here."

"It's home, you see. We all come home when we want to see each other
and have people round."

"Yes, I suppose everyone wants to see their people sometimes."

"Don't you like seeing people?"

"I haven't any of my own," said Christopher, without looking at him.

"That's unkind. You have us."

Christopher changed the subject.

"Do those--those little children live here?"

"Yes. It's their home. They are rather jolly little kids. What's the
matter, Christopher?"

Christopher assured him nothing was the matter.

Aymer continued in his most matter-of-fact voice.

"I'm fond of those babies. To begin with