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—their languages, customs, religions. He’s lived among them in disguise; seen the sheep sacrificed and worshipped it with them afterwards—or whatever it is they do. I really don’t know him a bit, but I know his life has been frightfully hairbreadth and exciting. And because of all his special knowledge he was very useful during the war. He is rather an impressive sort of person, but, if you ask me, he has a way of looking at us which makes me feel as if he saw me as a hen and Celia as a kitten.—Not but what he is kind enough to hens and kittens.’

Norah, laughing and good-humoured, was plumping up a cushion here, emptying an ash tray there. ‘See what a state he is getting our room into already,’ she said. ‘He took all the hot water in the bath this morning.’

‘How long will you have this inconsiderate person quartered upon you?’

‘Oh, he’s safely in London till the Manor Farm is ready for him. He’s going to make me useful and help him to furnish it I see. But that will be rather fun and he’s willing to be useful to us, too. It’s really very decent his offering to do our shopping this morning, and it s good for Celia to see outside people. It’s a quiet life here for her, isn’t it, after the life she was used to in London?’