III

At the Glengowrie Court Hotel, South Kensington, breakfast was over. In the lounge, MissSainsbury Seale was sitting talking to Mrs. Bolitho. They occupied adjacent tables in the diningroom and had made friends the day after Miss Sainsbury Seale’s arrival a week ago.

Miss Sainsbury Seale said:

“You know, dear, it really has stopped aching! Not a twinge! I think perhaps I’ll ring up—”

Mrs. Bolitho interrupted her.

“Now don’t be foolish, my dear. You go to the dentist and get it over.”

Mrs. Bolitho was a tall, commanding female with a deep voice. Miss Sainsbury Seale was awoman of forty odd with indecisively bleached hair rolled up in untidy curls. Her clothes wereshapeless and rather artistic, and her pince-nez were always dropping off. She was a great talker.

She said now wistfully:

“But really, you know, it doesn’t ache at all.”

“Nonsense, you told me you hardly slept a wink last night.”

“No, I didn’t—no, indeed—but perhaps, now, the nerve has actually died.”

“All the more reason to go to the dentist,” said Mrs. Bolitho firmly. “We all like to put it off, butthat’s just cowardice. Better make up one’s mind and get it over!”

Something hovered on Miss Sainsbury Seale’s lips. Was it the rebellious murmur of: “Yes, butit’s not your tooth!”

All she actually said, however, was:

“I expect you’re right. And Mr. Morley is such a careful man and really never hurts one at all.”