"You might let her have her tea in peace," Miss Walker said, but she was
gone before they could stop her.

When Harriett left she went with her to the garden gate, panting as she
walked. Harriett noticed pale, blurred lines on the edges of her lips. She
thought: She isn't a bit strong. She praised the garden.

Mrs. Lethbridge smiled. "Robin loves it.... But you should have seen it at
five o'clock this morning."

"Five o'clock?"

"Yes. I always get up at five to make Robin a cup of tea."


Harriett's last evening. She was dining at Sidcote. On her way there she
had overtaken Robin's wife wheeling Robin in a bath chair. Beatrice had
panted and perspired and had made mute signs to Harriett not to take any
notice. She had had to go and lie down till Robin sent for her to find his
cigarette case. Now she was in the kitchen cooking Robin's part of the
dinner while he lay down in his study. Harriett talked to Miss Walker in
the garden.

"It's been very kind of you to have us so much."

"Oh, but we've loved having you. It's so good for Beatie. Gives her a rest
from Robin.... I don't mean that she wants a rest. But, you see, she's not
well. She looks a big, strong, bouncing thing, but she isn't. Her heart's
weak. She oughtn't to be doing what she does."