That was very odd conduct in a
lately-married bridegroom, and it was hoped that there had been no
quarrel.
Olga had, of course, been given no directions as to Hightum or Tightum,
and when she walked across to Georgie's house shortly after half-past
one only Mrs Weston who was going back home to lunch at top speed was
aware that she was dressed in a very simple dark blue morning frock,
that would almost have passed for Scrub. It is true that it was
exceedingly well cut, and had not the look of having been rolled up in
a ball and hastily ironed out again that usually distinguished Scrub,
and she also wore a string of particularly fine pearls round her neck,
the sort of ornament that in Riseholme would only be seen in an
evening Hightum, even if anybody in Riseholme had owned such things.
Lucia, not long ago had expressed the opinion that jewels were vulgar
except at night, and for her part she wore none at all, preferring one
Greek cameo of uncertain authenticity.
Georgie received Olga alone, for Hermy and Ursy were not yet back from
their golf.
"It is good of you to let me come without my husband," she said. "His
excuse is toothache and he has driven into Brinton--"
"I'm very sorry," said Georgie.
"You needn't be, for now I'll tell you his real reason. He thought that
if he lunched with you he would have to come on to the garden party,
and that he was absolutely determined not to do.
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