good of you to encourage them. Only--hang it all!" Soames stole a
glance. Irene's startled eyes were bent watchfully on her boy.
She--she had these devotions--for Bosinney--for that boy's father--
for this boy! He touched Fleur's arm, and said:

"Well, have you had enough?"

"One more, Father, please."

She would be sick! He went to the counter to pay. When he turned
round again he saw Fleur standing near the door, holding a
handkerchief which the boy had evidently just handed to her.

"F.F.," he heard her say. "Fleur Forsyte--it's mine all right.
Thank you ever so."

Good God! She had caught the trick from what he'd told her in the
Gallery--monkey!

"Forsyte? Why--that's my name too. Perhaps we're cousins."

"Really! We must be. There aren't any others. I live at
Mapledurham; where do you?"

"Robin Hill."

Question and answer had been so rapid that all was over before he
could lift a finger. He saw Irene's face alive with startled
feeling, gave the slightest shake of his head, and slipped his arm
through Fleur's.