-to die and set free Honoria to
marry Major Petworth Armstrong! She felt Norie still hankered after
him, but perhaps kept him at bay partly because of her mother's
molluscous clingings--No! she wouldn't even sneer at Lady Fraser.
Lady Fraser had been one of the early champions of Woman's rights.
Very likely it was a dread of Vivie's sneers and disappointment that
had mainly kept back Norie from accepting Major Armstrong's
advances. Well, when next they met she--Vivie--or better still
David--would set that right.

CHAPTER VII

HONORIA AGAIN

7, Fig Tree Court, Temple.
_March_ 20, 1902.

DEAR HONORIA,--

I am going down to spend Easter with my people in South
Wales. Before I leave I should so very much like a long talk
with you where we can talk freely and undisturbed. That is
impossible at the Office for a hundred reasons, especially
now that Beryl Claridge has taken to working early in her
new-found zeal, while Bertie Adams deems it his duty to stay
late. I am--really, truly--grieved to hear that your mother
is so ill again. I would not ask to meet her--even if she
was well enough to receive people--because she does not know
me and when one is as ill as she is, the introduction to a
stranger is a horrid jar. But if you _could_ fit in say an
hour's detachment from her side--is it "bed-side" or is she
able to get up?--and could receive me in your own
sitting-room, why then we could have that full and free talk
I should like on your affairs and on mine and on the joint
affairs of _Fraser and Warren_.

Yours sincerely,
D. V. W.

DEAR DAVID,--

Come by all means. The wish for a talk is fully reciprocated
on my side. Mother generally tries to sleep in the afternoon
between three and six, and a Nurse is then with her.

Yours sincerely,
H. F.

"Mr. David Williams wishes to see you, Miss," said a waiter,
meeting Honoria on a Thursday afternoon, as she was emerging into
their tiny hall from her mother's room.

"Show him up, please.... Ah _there_ you are, _David_. We must both
talk rather low as mother is easily waked. Come into my study;
fortunately it is at the other end of the flat."