The Secret Adversary (Tommy & Tuppence 1)

“Absolutely, you understand.”

“He doesn’t want to marry me--he really only asked me out of kindness.”

“That’s not very likely,” scoffed Tommy.

“It’s quite true. He’s head over ears in love with Jane. I expect he’sproposing to her now.”

“She’ll do for him very nicely,” said Tommy condescendingly.

“Don’t you think she’s the most lovely creature you’ve ever seen?”

“Oh, I dare say.”

“But I suppose you prefer sterling worth,” said Tuppence demurely.

“I--oh, dash it all, Tuppence, you know!”

“I like your uncle, Tommy,” said Tuppence, hastily creating a diversion.“By the way, what are you going to do, accept Mr. Carter’s offer ofa Government job, or accept Julius’s invitation and take a richlyremunerated post in America on his ranch?”

“I shall stick to the old ship, I think, though it’s awfully good ofHersheimmer. But I feel you’d be more at home in London.”

“I don’t see where I come in.”

“I do,” said Tommy positively.

Tuppence stole a glance at him sideways.

“There’s the money, too,” she observed thoughtfully.

“What money?”

“We’re going to get a cheque each. Mr. Carter told me so.”

“Did you ask how much?” inquired Tommy sarcastically.

“Yes,” said Tuppence triumphantly. “But I shan’t tell you.”

“Tuppence, you are the limit!”

“It has been fun, hasn’t it, Tommy? I do hope we shall have lots moreadventures.”

“You’re insatiable, Tuppence. I’ve had quite enough adventures for thepresent.”

“Well, shopping is almost as good,” said Tuppence dreamily. “Think ofbuying old furniture, and bright carpets, and futurist silk curtains,and a polished dining-table, and a divan with lots of cushions.”

“Hold hard,” said Tommy. “What’s all this for?”

“Possibly a house--but I think a flat.”

“Whose flat?”

“You think I mind saying it, but I don’t in the least! _Ours_, sothere!”

“You darling!” cried Tommy, his arms tightly round her. “I wasdetermined to make you say it. I owe you something for the relentlessway you’ve squashed me whenever I’ve tried to be sentimental.”

Tuppence raised her face to his. The taxi proceeded on its course roundthe north side of Regent’s Park.

“You haven’t really proposed now,” pointed out Tuppence. “Not what ourgrandmothers would call a proposal. But after listening to a rotten onelike Julius’s, I’m inclined to let you off.”

“You won’t be able to get out of marrying me, so don’t you think it.”

“What fun it will be,” responded Tuppence. “Marriage is called all sortsof things, a haven, and a refuge, and a crowning glory, and a state ofbondage, and lots more. But do you know what I think it is?”

“What?”

“A sport!”

“And a damned good sport too,” said Tommy.