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‘That’s extreot used to taking the bus, and in any case I wouldn’t want to i you at ten’ He put the phone down

Cornelius was still in the bath when the phone rang a second ti had ceased He kneas Margaret, and he was sure she would call back within minutes

He hadn’t finished drying hiain He walked slowly to the bedroo Margaret’

‘Goodquickly, she added, ‘I need to see you urgently’

‘Oh? What’s the problem?’ asked Cornelius, well aware exactly what the problem was

‘I can’t possibly discuss such a delicate matter over the phone, but I could be with you by ten’

‘I’reed to see Elizabeth at ten It seeent matter she needs to discuss with me Why don’t you come round at eleven?’

‘Perhaps it would be better if I ca flustered

‘No, I’m afraid eleven is the earliest I can fit you in, my dear So it’s eleven or afternoon tea Which would suit you best?’

‘Eleven,’ said Margaret without hesitation

‘I thought ityou then,’ he added before replacing the receiver

When Cornelius had finished dressing, he went down to the kitchen for breakfast A bowl of cornflakes, a copy of the local paper and an unstan of Pauline

He poured himself a cup of tea, tore open the envelope and extracted a cheque hed Pauline must have sold her car

He began to turn the pages of the Saturday supple when he reached ‘Houses for Sale’ When the phone rang for the third tiht be

‘Good ton,’ said a cheerful voice ‘It’s Bruce froive you a call to let you knoe’ve had an offer for The Willows that is in excess of the asking price’