In Ivlin Fullscreen A handful of ashes (1934)

Say I will write.

And to Mr. Ripon's to enquire how Miss Ripon is.

And to the vicarage and ask Mr. Tendril if I can see him this evening.

He's not here still?”

“No, sir, he left a few minutes ago.”

“Tell him I shall have to discuss arrangements with him.”

“Very good, sir.”

Mr. Last was very matter of fact about everything, the footman reported later.

It was perfectly quiet in the library for the workmen in the morning room had laid aside their tools for the day.

Mrs. Rattery was ready first.

“They're just getting luncheon.”

“We shan't want any,” she said.

“You forget we were going hunting.”

“Better have something,” said Tony, and then,

“It's awful for Jock, having to tell Brenda.

I wonder how long it will be before she arrives.”

There was something in Tony's voice as he said this which made Mrs. Rattery ask,

“What are you going to do while you're waiting?”

“I don't know.

I suppose there will be things to see to.”

“Look here,” said Mrs. Rattery, “Jock had better go up by car.

I'll stay here until Lady Brenda comes.”

“It would be awful for you.”

“No, I'll stay.”

`Tony said,

“I suppose it's ridiculous of me, but I wish you would … I mean won't it be awful for you?

I am all in a muddle.

It's so hard to believe yet, that it really happened.”

“It happened all right.”

The footman came to say that Mr. Tendril would call after tea that day; that Miss Ripon had gone straight to bed and was asleep.

“Mr. Grant-Menzies is going up in his car.

He may be back tonight,” said Tony.

“Mrs. Rattery is waiting until her ladyship arrives.”

“Very good, sir.

And Colonel Inch wanted to know whether you would care to have the huntsman blow `Gone Away' at the funeral.”

“Say that I'll write to him,” and when the footman had left the room Tony said, “An atrocious suggestion.”

“Oh, I don't know.

He's very anxious to be helpful.”

“They don't like him much as Master.”

Jock left soon after half past two.

Tony and Mrs. Rattery had coffee in the library.

“I'm afraid this is a very difficult situation,” said Tony.

“After all we scarcely know each other.”

“You don't have to think about me.”

“But it must be awful for you.”

“And you must stop thinking that.”

“I'll try … the absurd thing is that I'm not thinking it, just saying it … I keep thinking of other things all the time.”

“I know.

You don't have to say anything.”

Presently Tony said,