'Really?'

He spoke with more confidence, but in a still lower voice.

'Yes. I met my ideal there.'

He fixed on her an ardent but respectful glare.

She smiled.

'I'm afraid,' continued Raggett, 'that I'm not amusing you much. I
suppose you're very fond of wit and gaiety? I wasn't brought up in a
very humorous atmosphere. I don't think I ever heard a joke till quite
recently.'

Edith laughed.

'My father,' he went on, 'used sometimes to say at night. "Now it's time
for Bedfordshire," but I wasn't amused at that after ten years old. My
family are really very serious as a whole. I should never dream of
asking them even a riddle, because I'm sure they would give it up
at once.'

'Did you say you heard one joke recently? What was it?' asked Edith.

Raggett blushed and looked down.

'I'm very sorry, but I'm afraid I can't tell you, Mrs Ottley. Not that I
forget it, but it isn't suited to your--well, to your atmosphere'--he