I've asked the Bishop of Frome to lunch, and I can't turn him out at a quarter-past two, can I?
What date is there free ?" Together they bent over the engagement book, and after a little discussion the new date was fixed.
"I'm rather keen on dates to-day," said Paul, pointing to the brass calendar.
"Why ?" "It's exactly five years since I entered your dear service," said Paul.
"We've worked you like a galley slave, and so I love your saying 'dear service,'" she replied gently.
Paul, half sitting on the edge of the Cromwellian table in the bay of the window, laughed.

"I could say infinitely more, dearest lady, if I were to let myself go." She sat on the arm of a great leathern chair.

Their respective attitudes signified a happy intimacy.

"So long as you're contented, my dear boy---" she said.
"Contented?
Good heavens!" He waved a protesting hand.
"You're ambitious." "Of course," said he.

"What would be the good of me if I wasn't ?" "One of these days you'll be wanting to leave the nest and--what shall we say ?--soar upwards." Paul, too acute to deny the truth of this prophecy said: "I probably shall.