Page 94 (1/2)

“But surely you accept that the paper can no longer be described as ‘the Times of Australia’?”

“Yes, and I regret that,” said Keith, ad the fact for the first time to anyone other than his mother

“Will the Sunday Continent follow the sa to produce the quality national newspaper Australia so desperately needs?”

Keith was beginning to realize why Miss Tulloh had won her award, and why Bruce thought so highly of her This time he chose his words more carefully “I will endeavor to produce a paper that the majority of Australians would like to see on their breakfast tables every SundayDoes that answer your question, Kate?”

“I fear it does, Mr Townsend,” she said with a smile

Keith returned the smile It quickly disappeared when he heard her next question

“May I now turn to an incident in your life that has been widely covered by the gossip coluhtly as she waited for his response His instinct was to end the interview there and then, but he just nodded

“Is it true that on your wedding day you ordered your chauffeur to drive straight past the church only moments before the bride was due to arrive?”

Keith was relieved when Heather marched into the room and said firmly, “Your conference call is due in a couple of minutes, Mr Townsend”

“My conference call?” he asked, brightening up

“Yes, sir,” said Heather “Sir” was a word she resorted to only when she was very cross

“London and Los Angeles,” she said She paused before adding, “and Tokyo” Very cross, thought Keith But at least she had given him the chance to escape Kate had even closed her shorthand pad

“Rearrange it for this afternoon,” he said quietly He wasn’t sure which of the women looked more surprised Heather left them without another word, and this time she closed the door behind her

Neither of theain until Keith said, “Yes, it’s true But I’d be obliged if you didn’t refer to it in your article”

Kate put her pencil down on the table, as Keith turned and looked out of the“I’m sorry, Mr Townsend,” she said, “that was insensitive of me”