consideration. I try to give both, but it is becoming increasingly difficult. I do need help.â
âWhat is so special about these girls?â Rollison asked gently.
âIt is this: each of the girls has some very special talent, a talent which could be going to waste. Each - as you were so quick to realise - has had a most unsatisfying affaire with a man - or men. Several have in fact been married and deserted, most have had an illegitimate child. You might say as many do, that these young women have asked for trouble, that their rejection of the conventions has made them forfeit some of their rights in society. To me, that is not the most important factor. I do not simply say that these girls need the special care of society because in a way they have been victims of it. I believe absolutely that each should be, and can be, a wholly responsible person in her own right, and that most of these girls can be not only responsible for themselves but of value to the community. But that too is beside the point, as I see it.â
âAh,â said Rollison. âIs it very rewarding to help them?â
He saw on the instant that he had caused offence, but did not understand why: it had not been his intention. Naomi Smithâs expression changed, she put her glass down, placed a hand on the arm of her chair and stood up quickly and with unusual grace. No one had ever looked at him with greater intensity or directness.
âI really donât see any purpose in staying,â she said. âThank you for sparing some of your time, Mr Rollison.â
She moved towards the door.
At the same moment, Jolly appeared in the other doorway, and said: âLuncheon will be ready in five minutes, sir.â He realised what was happening and broke off, looking at the Toff as if pleading for guidance on what course to take.
Rollison waved him away and moved after Naomi Smith, who was halfway towards the front door. He passed her and put a hand on the door knob, but did not turn it.
âWhat did I say wrong?â he demanded.
âYou know very well what you said.â
âI remember every word,â he admitted, âbut I canât see what made you take offence.â He turned the knob very slowly and with obvious reluctance. âCertainly, none was intended, but if you feel as touchy over your young women as this perhaps itâs better for me not to try to help. Presumably we would have to work together.â
He opened the door wide - on to a landing and a flight of stone steps; this old terrace house had been converted into four flats, one on each floor, of which this was the top. He was not angry, but troubled.
He had a strange feeling that this beautifully groomed, hitherto very composed woman was on the point of tears. Certainly her eyes seemed to have become much brighter, and her lips appeared to be compressed to stop them quivering.
âWasnât that remark intended to be taken literally?â she asked.
âI asked you if it were very rewarding to helpââ He broke off as understanding dawned. His face relaxed and his eyes actually laughed at her. âNow I see what a boner I dropped! It sounded as if I were asking if you were being well paid.â
âIt most certainly did!â
âIt wasnât even remotely in my mind,â Rollison said earnestly. âI really wanted to know whether you find it rewarding as aâas a vocation. Iâve somehow always associated guardians of fallen angels as somewhat more forbidding than you.â He put a hand lightly on her arm. âPlease come back.â
She averted her gaze.
âThank you for explaining,â she said. âIâm sorry I took offence.â
âIt was an unbelievably clumsy remark,â said Rollison contritely. âWould you like to tidy up before lunch?â He was leading the way back into the big room, only to lead the way out of it by the other door. âBathroom