We sprang to our feet and descended to meet the car at the front porch.

Jaffery, grinning with delight, opened the door, appeared to lift a radiant Barbara out of the car like a parcel and almost hugged her.

And there they stood holding on to each other's hands and smiling into each other's faces and saying how well they looked, regardless of the fact that they were blocking the way for Doria, who remained in the car, I had to move them on with the reminder that they had the whole week-end for their effusions.

Adrian helped Doria to alight, and to Doria then, for the first time, was presented Jaffery Chayne.

Jaffery blinked at her oddly as he held her little gloved fingers in his enormous hand.