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Theresa said despondently:

‘I know that…’

In the big double-bedded room with the old-fashioned oak furniture, Dr Tanios said to his wife:

‘I think that I have prepared the ground sufficiently. It is now your turn, my dear.’

He was pouring water from the old-fashioned copper can into the rose-patterned china basin.

Bella Tanios sat in front of the dressing-table wondering why, when she combed her hair as Theresa did, it should not look like Theresa’s!

There was a moment before she replied. Then she said:

‘I don’t think I want—to ask Aunt Emily for money.’

‘It’s not for yourself, Bella, it’s for the sake of the children. Our investments have been so unlucky.’

His back was turned, he did not see the swift glance she gave him—a furtive, shrinking glance.

She said with mild obstinacy:

‘All the same, I think I’d rather not… Aunt Emily is rather difficult. She can be generous but she doesn’t like being asked.’

Drying his hands, Tanios came across from the washstand.

‘Really, Bella, it isn’t like you to be so obstinate. After all, what have we come down here for?’

She murmured:

‘I didn’t—I never meant—it wasn’t to ask for money…’

‘Yet you agreed that the only hope if we are to educate the children properly is for your aunt to come to the rescue.’

Bella Tanios did not answer. She moved uneasily.

But her face bore the mild mulish look that many clever husbands of stupid wives know to their cost.

She said:

‘Perhaps Aunt Emily herself may suggest—’

‘It is possible, but I’ve seen no signs of it so far.’

Bella said:

‘If we could have brought the children with us. Aunt Emily couldn’t have helped loving Mary. And Edward is so intelligent.’

Tanios said, drily:

‘I don’t think your aunt is a great child lover. It is probably just as well the children aren’t here.’

‘Oh, Jacob, but—’

‘Yes, yes, my dear. I know your feelings. But these desiccated English spinsters—bah, they are not human. We want to do the best we can, do we not, for our Mary and our Edward? To help us a little would involve no hardship to Miss Arundell.’

Mrs Tanios turned, there was a flush in her cheeks.

‘Oh, please, please, Jacob, not this time. I’m sure it would be unwise. I would so very very much rather not.’

Tanios stood close behind her, his arm encircled her shoulders. She trembled a little and then was still—almost rigid.

He said and his voice was still pleasant:

‘All the same, Bella, I think—I think you will do what I ask… You usually do, you know—in the end… Yes, I think you will do what I say…’

CHAPTER 3. The Accident

It was Tuesday afternoon. The side door to the garden was open. Miss Arundell stood on the threshold and threw Bob’s ball the length of the garden path. The terrier rushed after it.

‘Just once more, Bob,’ said Emily Arundell. ‘A good one.’

Once again the ball sped along the ground with Bob racing at full speed in pursuit.

Miss Arundell stooped down, picked up the ball from where Bob laid it at her feet and went into the house, Bob following her closely. She shut the side door, went into the drawing-room, Bob still at her heels, and put the ball away in the drawer.