to work on his
spirits, the young policeman apologised for not having carried a light
on his bicycle. It was his way of introducing the subject which was
haunting him with forebodings.

"That's all right," said Jack. "But as one whose job is to enforce the
law, I should imagine you would be more particular."

"If that's all the law-breaking I do, I shan't come to grief, my son. It
is very different in your case. 'Can a man take coals to his bosom and
not be burned?'"

"What the devil are you driving at?"

"I get a tidy lot of wisdom out of old Solomon and I commend you to take
up the dissertation from where I left off. You'll find a good deal to
set you thinking."

"Where am I to find it?" Jack asked with determined good-humour.

"Proverbs--sixth, twenty-eighth; read from there, onward."

"Thanks. I'll see what he has to say concerning such stupendous truths."

"I commend you also to try him for advice on seeking a wife," said
Tommy. "It will help you to form a judgment. Listen:

"'_Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above
rubies_'----"

"Blessed old cynic!" interjected Jack, adding, he had heard that before.

"'_The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her_'--mark the word,
'trust'.... '_She will do him good, not evil all the days of her life._'
I can't remember it all, there is such a lot. He goes on to say, '_Her
husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the
land.... Strength and honour are her clothing and she shall rejoice in
time to come_----'"

"Personally, I should prefer something more decent as a garment,"
murmured Jack, while Tommy searched his brains.

"'_She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of
kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not
the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her
husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously,
but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain: but
a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the
fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates._'"

"Is that all?"

"Isn't it enough?"

"And you mean to say you expect to find such a paragon of perfection in
modern times?" Jack asked, pouring out some more whisky.

"Till I do, I shan't marry," said Tommy.

"Here's luck to you!" said Jack raising his glass to his lips,
unconvinced. "I'm afraid you'll l