The New Moon with the Old by Dodie Smith Page B

might get local work and contribute to the household expenses. But she did not speak of this as she felt Cook and Edith were entitled to the unshared glory of their generosity.
    â€˜Sounds as if we are starting a guest house,’ said Drew, when the maids had gone to get tea. ‘With the guests paying for the privilege of running it.’
    After tea, Merry returned to say she had changed her mind about leaving school. ‘Betty thinks I might get given a scholarship by Weary Willy – that’s our head mistress, Jane; her real name’s Vera Willy. She gave one to a girl who lost both parents in an accident. And she had it for years; I’d only need mine till I’m fifteen. It’ll save trouble with the law if I don’t leave at once, and I can write and ask managers to see me in the Christmas play.’
    â€˜â€œBut will they come when you do call for them?”’ Drew quoted.
    â€˜They might, in my pathetic circumstances. So if someone would give Weary Willy a hint—’
    â€˜Don’t look at me,’ said Clare. ‘I’m still terrified of her.’ Merry turned to Drew. ‘ You tackle her. You’re always a success with old ladles.’
    â€˜But she’s barely middle-aged – much too young for me. No, Merry, really.’
    Jane said: ‘Could I talk to her?’
    Merry beamed. ‘Oh, would you, Jane? She’d be terribly impressed by you, especially if you went in your car. Could you go tomorrow? The term starts on Monday.’
    â€˜Ought I to telephone for an appointment?’
    Merry thought not. ‘She might ask what you wanted and it’d be easier for her to refuse by telephone. You just pop in on her. I do think you’re kind. Oh, Clare, before I forget, Betty’s mother says that if Cook and Edith need a job—’
    â€˜They’ve got one,’ said Clare.
    Merry, on hearing the details, was ecstatic. ‘How adorable of them! It makes me want to cry. Only it’s terribly funny too.’ She stifled giggles. ‘I mean, it’s like some Victorian children’s book, all robins and snow – except that they’re being paid by the hour and raking in lovely money. I must go and hug them.’
    â€˜And bring them back for the six o’clock News,’ said Clare. But the News contained no reference to Rupert Carrington, nor did it when they listened again after dinner.
    â€˜Poor Father’s just a has-been already,’ said Drew. ‘Well, let’s see if Richard brings any news about the forgotten man.’
    He drove off to meet Richard’s train.
    Jane, wondering why Drew’s flippancies did not jar on her, decided that the deep, almost caressing quality of his voice took the edge off them. And there was a basic gentleness in him which neutralized any suspicion of unkindness. Nor did she find Merry’s continual high spirits unsympathetic. These two were her favourites. Clare interested her far less. As for Richard… Really, it was unfair to think him depressing simply because he was taking the family trouble seriously. And if she did not feel she knew him as well as she knew the others, that might mean he was all the more worth while knowing.
    He arrived back from London looking pale and tired, and had little to tell. The solicitor he had gone to see had not been helpful.
    â€˜He said he only dealt with our family affairs, thank God. It seems the solicitor who copes with Father’s business has vanished just as Father has. The only advice I could get was to carry on as best we can and see what happens.’
    â€˜Did you go to your father’s office?’ Jane asked.
    â€˜Yes, and found it closed. I didn’t go to his flat because it’s an expensive service flat and he may have left money owing. Really, the less we know about his affairs, the better. We must live from day to day – and get jobs as soon as we can. Which reminds