Surfeit of Lampreys Read Free Page A

and lived on large estates. The younger sons had younger son’s compartments and either fitted them nicely or else went raffishly to the dogs and were hauled back by the head of the family. Everything was all ready for us from the moment we were born.”
    Henry paused, wagged his head sadly and continued:
    â€œNow look at us! My papa is really an amiable dilettante. So, I suppose, would I be if I could go back into setting, but you can’t do that without money. Our trouble is that we go on behaving in the grand leisured manner without the necessary backing. It’s very dishonest of us, but we’re conditioned to it. We’re the victims of inherited behaviourism.”
    â€œI don’t know what that means.”
    â€œNor do I, but didn’t it sound grand?”
    â€œDo you?” asked Henry anxiously. “Anyway, Robin, we shan’t last long at this rate. A dreadful time is coming when we shall be obliged to do something to justify our existence. Make money or speeches or something. When the last of the money goes we’ll be for it. The ones with brains and energy may survive but they’ll be starting from a long way behind scratch. They say that if you want a job in the City it’s wise to speak with an accent and pretend you’ve been to a board school. A hollow mockery, because you’re found out the moment you have to do sums or write letters.”
    â€œBut,” said Robin, “your sort of education—”
    â€œSuits me. It’s an admirable preparation for almost everything except an honest job of work.”
    â€œI don’t think that’s true.”
    â€œDon’t you? Perhaps you’re right and it’s just our family that’s mad of itself without any excuse.”
    â€œYou’re a nice family. I love every one of you.”
    â€œDarling Robin.” Henry reached out a hand and patted her. “Don’t be too fond of us.”
    â€œMy mother,” said Robin, “says you’ve all got such a tremendous amount of charm.”
    â€œDoes she?” To Robin’s surprise Henry’s face became faintly pink. “Well,” he said, “perhaps if your mother is right that may tide us over until Uncle G. pops off. Something has got to do it. Are there bums in New Zealand?”
    â€œWhat do you mean? Don’t be common.”
    â€œMy innocent old Robin Grey! A bum is a gentleman in a bowler hat who comes to stay until you pay your bills.”
    â€œHenry! How awful!”
    â€œFrightful,” agreed Henry who was watching a hawk.
    â€œI mean how shaming.”
    â€œYou soon get used to them. I remember one who made me a catapult when I was home for the holidays. That was the time Uncle G. paid up.”
    â€œBut aren’t you ever—ever—”
    Roberta felt herself go scarlet and was silent.
    â€œAshamed of ourselves?”
    â€œWell—”
    â€œListen,” said Henry. “I can hear voices.”
    It was Frid and the twins. They were coming up the bush track and seemed to be in a state of excitement. In a moment they began shouting:
    â€œHenry! Where are you-oou! Henry!”
    â€œHullo!” Henry shouted.
    The manuka scrub on the edge of the bush was agitated and presently three Lampreys scrambled out into the open. The twins had been riding and still wore their beautiful English jodhpurs. Frid, on the contrary, was dressed in a bathing suit.
    â€œI say, what do you think?” they cried.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œSuch a thrill! Daddy’s got a marvellous offer for Deepacres,” panted Frid.
    â€œWe’ll be able to pay our bills,” added Colin. And they all shouted together: “And we’re going back to England.”

CHAPTER TWO
Arrival in London
    N OW THAT THE LAST trunk was closed and had been dragged away by an impatient steward, the cabin seemed to have lost all its character. Surveying it by lamplight, for it was still long