credit to Betty NeelsPAGE 17
But_there, I am an old woman now and must bear with
life's_disappointments."__Olivia supposed that she herself was one of them
and was much heartened(encourage)_by Mr. van der Eisler's grave, "I must beg to differ,
Mrs. _Fitzgibbon. Olivia is fulfilling(satisfying) a much-needed want at Nel's school.
_It needs patience and kindness and understanding to care for children. _I am
told by the headmistress that she is worth her weight in gold."__He turned to
Mrs. Harding then.__"You must be so relieved to know that Olivia is so
successful. The_school is a good one and the surroundings are pleasant.
Perhaps you_will be able to visit her?"__"Well, Olivia has asked me to go and
stay with her during the term. I_know I shall love it."__Mrs. Fitzgibbon
sighed loudly.__"How lucky that you are young enough to go and enjoy
yourself. I,_alas, must stay here alone."__Mr. van der Eisler said easily,
"I'm sure you would have no difficulty_in finding a companion, Mrs.
Fitzgibbon." He stood up.__"You must forgive me if we leave now. Nel's
grandmother will be_waiting for her."__There was a small delay while Olivia
whisked Nel upstairs, but not_before the child had said in a clear little
voice, "Just in case I_should get caught short before we get to Granny's
house. Uncle Haso is_in a hurry."__The age of modesty is long past," said
Mrs. Fitzgibbon faintly.__"The seat's big enough for the pair of you," said
Mr. van der Eisler,_fastening the seatbelt round the pair of them and
Casting(throw) the luggage_into the boot, then getting in beside them and driving
away with a_wave.__"I don't like your granny," said Nel, and her godfather
turned a laugh_into a cough.__"She's old," said Olivia, and added, "I expect
when you're old you_sometimes say things that other people just think to
themselves..."__"She said you were one of life's disappointments ..."__"Yes,
well, I suppose I am from her point of view. You see, she_expected me to
grow up small and dainty and get married when I was_young."__"Aren't you
young?"__"Not very, I'm afraid."__"Well, you're very pretty. I must see if I
can find a husband for_you," said Nel importantly.__Mr. van der Eisler spoke
in a matter-of-fact manner.__"Most ladies prefer to choose their own
husbands."__Olivia, rather red in the face, said smartly, "I had always
thought_that the men did the choosing."__Mr. van der Eisler
chuckled(laugh quietly).__"Don't you believe it.__They may be under the impression that they are doing so but it is after_all the lady who decides. "__"I shall marry a
prince," said Nel, a remark which Olivia welcomed with_relief since it was a
topic which lasted until they were clear of the_last of the suburbs and
driving smoothly on the motorway.__As they neared Bath she was rather
surprised when he turned off the_motorway and took the Chippenham road, and
still more surprised when he_turned off once more into a narrow country
road.__He glanced at his watch.__"On time," he observed.__"Your granny will
be waiting."__"The school? " began Olivia.__"After lunch. Lady Brennon
asked me to bring you to lunch with her_first."__"But I don't know her."__"Of
course you don't; you've never met her," he uttered, in such a_reasonable
voice that she couldn't think of an answer.__Meeting Lady Brennon, Olivia
wished that she had a granny like_her--smiling a welcome, delighted to see
them all, hugging her small_granddaughter, including Olivia in the talk.
They sat down presently,_in the rather old-fashioned dining-room, to crown of
lamb and new_potatoes and vegetables, which Lady Brennon assured her had been
grown_in her garden.__"You like the country?" she asked.__Olivia said that
yes, she did and that she had spent her youth not so_very far away from
Earleigh Gilford.__She offered no further details, though, and her hostess
didn't question_her further, and presently, after a stroll around the garden,
Mr. van_der Eisler suggested that they should go.__Olivia got ready without
any fuss(protest) and went out to the car, with Nel_hanging on to her arm, after
bidding(request) Lady Brennon goodbye and thanking_her with her nice manners so that
that lady observed to Mr. van der_Eisler, "A charming girl. Miss Cross has
got herself a gem there. You_did well to busy yourself with her welfare,

PAGE 18
Haso. She has no idea that_it was you?"__"No, and I do not wish her to know
either. I'm glad that she has found_a worthwhile job."__"You'll come back
for tea before you return to town? We haven't had a_talk about Rita."__At
the school he took the key to the annexe and opened the door,_fetched(get) her
luggage and then inspected the small living-room, wandering_slowly round,
looking at the cheap and cheerful prints on its walls,_peering at the
bookshelves. Before the mantelpiece(projection) he stopped to pick_up the card on
it.__"Well, well, so Rodney has invited you to his wedding.__Surely an unkind
thing to do? Turning the knife in the wound, as it_were? "__"Don't be
absurd," said Olivia.__"There isn't a wound. I dare say he asked me because
we've known each_other for a long time."__Mr. van der Eisler nipped(hurry) the card
with a nicely manicured_fingernail.__"With companion..." He turned the card
over and read aloud, '"I don't_know the name of your fiance but we hope that
he will come with you"_"__Olivia was very pink in the face.__"It's really
none of your business..."__"Ah, but it is, Olivia. I may be only a chance
acquaintance but I do_not wish to see you humiliated(embarrassed). You intend
going?"__She found herself telling him that she did.__"It's half-term so I'm
free, and the wedding is at Bradford-on-Avon. I_suppose she lives
there."__"I shall escort you. You will wear a pretty frock and one of
those_hats women wear at weddings, and I shall do you proud in a
morning_suit. You will linger in Rodney's memory in the best possible
light_well-dressed, carefree(untroubled), and safe in the knowledge that your future
is_secured(safe)."__"Are you joking?" asked Olivia.__"Certainly not; marriage is
no joking matter."__She said rudely, "How would you know, you aren't married,
are you?" _She wished the remark unsaid at once, but it was too late.
She_muttered, "Sorry, that was dreadfully rude."__He said silkily, "Yes, it
was. None the less, I shall accompany you to_this wedding. It is the least
I can do." He put the card back and_went to the door.__"We seem fated to
meet unexpectedly, do we not?"__She nodded.__"Yes, but you don't need to come
to the wedding, you know. You could_be busy in the city or something."__"I
rather fancy seeing Rodney safely married." He opened the door and_she held
out a hand.__"Thank you very much for bringing me back. I'm most grateful."
She_added, "Nel is fortunate(lucky) to have such a loving granny."__"Yes." He took
her hand and smiled very kindly at her.__"Which cannot be said for you,
Olivia."__She said gruffly(bad temperedly), "Well, she's old, and I'm not what she hoped
for."__He bent and kissed her lightly.__"Goodbye, Olivia." She stood at the
door and watched him drive away._The kiss had rather shaken her but she
didn't let it linger in her_thoughts. She went back into the livingroom and
picked up the wedding_invitation.__"I very much dislike being pitied," she
said savagely.__"For two pins I shan't go to Rodney's wedding."__She had no
chance to brood. She settled into her little home, joined_the rest of the
staff for a discussion as to the term's objectives, and_was detailed to check
the dormitories with the matron and then, when_the children arrived, to get
them unpacked and settled in---several_hours of hard work and bustle(activity),
followed by a number of tearful sessions_with those who wanted to go home
again.__The weeks, slow to pass at first, quickened their pace; she enjoyed
her_job despite the fact that she was at everyone's beck and call. She_found
herself painting scenery(landscape) for the next end-of-term play, acting as_ball boy
when she wasn't showing the smallest of the pupils how to hold_their
racquets, playing rounders, or organising games when the weather_was wet.
From time to time in unexpected emergencies she found herself_taking a
reading lesson. Not the least of her tasks was caring for the_children's
clothes, also helping Matron with their hair-washing,_driving to the doctor
or the dentist and once, when Cook was ill,_cooking school dinner.__Half-term
suddenly loomed, and Rodney's wedding. She hadn't heard from_Mr. van der
Eisler and she stifled disappointment.__Still, she would go to the wedding.
Miss Cross was generous with the_car; she was sure that she would be allowed

PAGE 19
to borrow it since it would_be half-term and there would be very few people
remaining at school.__On her next day off she took herself into Bath; a
suitable outfit(group) was_essential. All her summer dresses she had had for
several years, and_Rodney would recognise any of them.__Something simple and
cheap in a silvery-green, which wouldn't clash_with her hair and her pansy
eyes, would do nicely.__She found what she wanted after a long search. A
plain, delicate green_sheath with short sleeves and a modest neckline(collar). Its
fabric looked_like linen although it was nothing of the sort. It was one of
dozens_on a rail in British Home Stores, but she guessed that the guests
at_Rodney's wedding would hardly shop there and wouldn't recognise it
for_what it was. She had her Italian sandals from better days, and a pair_of
good stone-coloured gloves. It was just a question of a hat.__She saw
several that she liked, but their prices were well beyond her_purse. Getting
tired and cross, she finally found what she wanted in a_department store--a
perfectly plain wide-brimmed straw which she bore_back to the haberdashery
department so that she might match up a ribbon_with the dress. The ribbon
was expensive, but it transformed the hat_and matched the dress exactly. She
spent the rest of her day off tying_it around the hat, leaving a large silky
bow at the back. It might not_be a model hat but it gave a very good
imitation of one.__Half-term came and the school emptied for four days.
Olivia, plaiting_Nel's hair and making sure that her school hat was at the
correct_angle, was touched when the child said, "I wish you were coming
to_Granny's with me, Olivia."__"Well, that would be fun, my dear, but you'll
have a lovely time with_your granny. I expect she's got all kinds of treats
waiting for_you."__Nel nodded.__"Do you ever have treats?" she wanted to
know.__"I'm going to a wedding the day after tomorrow, and I've got a
new_hat."__"Not your wedding?" asked Nel anxiously.__"No, my dear. Now off
with you. Miss Cross wants you all to be in the_hall by ten o'clock."__The
place was very empty without the children. The rest of the day was_spent
clearing up after the last of them had gone and putting_everything ready for
their return. The next day, with time to herself_and only a handful of the
staff still there, Olivia took herself off_for a long walk and then spent
plenty of time washing her hair and_doing her nails. Miss Cross had given
her permission to take the car_and everything was arranged. She went into
the garden behind the_annexe, her hair still damp(wet) and hanging down her back,
only to be_called back indoors because she was wanted on the phone.__Mr. van
der Eisler's "Hello, Olivia' was uttered in a voice of casual_calm.__"Oh,
it's you..."__"Indeed, it is I. Did I not say that I would
telephone?"__"Well, yes, you did. Only it's tomorrow--I thought you'd
forgotten."__"Certainly not. Now, let us see. We need to be at the church
fifteen_minutes or so before the bride, do we not? Fifteen minutes to
drive_there, half an hour at your place for coffee and a chat. The
wedding_is at noon, is it not? I'll be with you at eleven o'clock."__"Very
well, I'll have coffee ready. Where are you? It sounds as_though someone's
washing up."__"I've been operating; they're clearing Theatre."__She wished
she could think of something else to answer. All she said_was, "Won't you be
too e^ ^ I mean, to drive down here tomorrow._Yoh^r^rp careful?"__"I ^g Mr.
van der Eisler suppressed a laugh.__"I , careful, Olivia."__^1 (,g "I expect
you're busy. Goodbye, and thank y ringing." l! t^_She went back to her
room and dried he^ telling herself sternly not to_get too excited, K'1^ only
doing what he had promised to do. It wa^ ^g_of him. He had guessed that to
go alone to Roq ^ly wedding would have_been humiliating for her ^ ^y'g refuse
would have been even worse--she_'d to imagine the wagging tongues. ^u^__Mr.
van der Eisler went home to his dinner and went back to the_hospital again to
check ^ he^ patient's condition and talk to his_registrar, k hA very late by
the time he went to his bed and then he_lay for a time thinking about
Olivia.She was doing the same thing but since she sleepy her thoughts

PAGE 20
were_muddled(untidy) and soo^ ^ solved in sleep, and in the light of morning sL
^_missed them; there was too much to do.__She had her breakfast, tidied the
little living room, laid a tray for_coffee and put everything ready to make
sandwiches before going to_dress. She ri to \__"No, my dear. Now off with
you. Miss Cross wants you all to be in the_hall by ten o'clock."__The place
was very empty without the children. The rest of the day was_spent clearing
up after the last of them had gone and putting_everything ready for their
return. The next day, with time to herself_and only a handful of the staff
still there, Olivia took herself off_for a long walk and then spent plenty(a lot) of
time washing her hair and_doing her nails. Miss Cross had given her
permission to take the car_and everything was arranged. She went into the
garden behind the_annexe, her hair still damp(wet) and hanging down her back, only
to be_called back indoors because she was wanted on the phone.__Mr. van der
Eisler's "Hello, Olivia' was uttered in a voice of casual_calm.__"Oh, it's
you..."__"Indeed, it is I. Did I not say that I would telephone?"__"Well,
yes, you did. Only it's tomorrow--I thought you'd forgotten."__"Certainly
not. Now, let us see. We need to be at the church fifteen_minutes or so
before the bride, do we not? Fifteen minutes to drive_there, half an hour at
your place for coffee and a chat. The wedding_is at noon, is it not? I'll
be with you at eleven o'clock."__"Very well, I'll have coffee ready. Where
are you? It sounds as_though someone's washing up."__"I've been operating;
they're clearing Theatre."__She wished she could think of something clever in
answer.__All she said was, "Won't you be too tired? I mean, to drive down
here_tomorrow. You'll be careful?"__Mr. van der Eisler suppressed a
laugh.__"I will be careful, Olivia."__"I expect you're busy. Goodbye, and
thank you for ringing."__She went back to her room and dried her hair,
telling herself sternly_not to get too excited, he was only doing what he had
promised to do._It was kind of him. He had guessed that to go alone to
Rodney's_wedding would have been humiliating(embarrassing) for her and to refuse would have_been even worse--she could imagine the wagging(move from side to side) tongues. Mr. Van der_Eisler went home to his dinner and then went back to the hospital again_to check on his patient's condition and talk to his registrar. It
was_very late by the time he went to his bed and even then he lay for a_time
thinking about Olivia.__She was doing the same thing but since she was sleepy
her thoughts were_muddled(untidy) and soon dissolved(soften) in sleep, and in the light of morning she_dismissed them; there was too much to do.__She had her breakfast,tidied the little living-room, laid a tray for_coffee and put everything ready to make sandwiches before going to_dress. She didn't look too bad, she conceded(approved), peering at her person in_the spotty(mottled) looking-glass behind the shower-room door. The dress would_pass muster since her shoes and gloves and clutch(hold) bag were expensive,_treasured(loved) leftovers(waste) from more prosperous(wealthy) days. The hat was a success_too. She left it on the bed and went down stairs to put on the kettle_and cut the sandwiches.__Just in time. The car came to a silent halt before her narrow front_door and Mr. van der Eisler, magnificent(wonderful) in a morning suit, got out.__She flung(throw) open the door.__"Hello how very elegant you look..."__He took her hand.__"You've stolen my words, Olivia." He studied her slowly.__"You look elegant. You also look beautiful; the
bride is going to have_difficulty in capturing everyone's attention once you
get there."__She went pink.__"You're joking I hope so, it's the bride's day.
We'll sit at the_back..."__She led the way into the living-room, adding
worriedly, "And I'm not_elegant, it's a dress from British Home Stores." As
she poured the_coffee she said, "We'll be able to slip away the moment
they've left_the reception. I expect you will want to get back to the
hospital."__"I have left things in the capable hands of my registrar.__You
are happy here, Olivia? "__"Oh, yes. Mother is coming to stay in another
week or so. Wasn't it_extraordinary that an old friend of Granny's should
have written?"__"Indeed. Fate isn't always unkind, Olivia."__"No. Have you

PAGE 21
been in Holland recently?"__"Yes. I came back a few days ago. I saw Debbie
recently; she has_become engaged to someone called Fred. Her father has a
job as a_part-time porter(doorkeeper) at Jerome's. So fate has been kind to her
too."__"Oh, I'm so glad. If you see her again will you tell her how happy
I_am? I'll write once school had settled down again."__She saw him glance at
his watch.__"Is it time for us to leave? I'll get my hat."__It took a few
minutes to get it perched just so on her bright head and,_although she felt
fairly satisfied with the result, she felt shy as she_went downstairs
again.__He was standing at the window but he turned round as she went into
the_room.__"Charming. A wedding-hat ^ar excellence."__She had been clever,
he reflected. The dress was cheap, but elegant,_the hat was no milliner's
model but it had style, and her gloves and_shoes were beyond reproach. Mr.
van der Eisler, being the man he was,_would have escorted(guide) her dressed in a
sack and a man's cloth cap without_a tremor(shake), but he was glad for her sake
that she had contrived(unnatural) to look_so stunning(dramatic).__The church, when they reached it, was already almost full and their_seats at the back gave them a good view of the congregation without_drawing attention to themselves. Although one or two people had turned_round to look at them, recognised Olivia, studied Mr. van der Eisler_with deep interest and whispered(thought) to their neighbours.__Rodney was standing with his best man and didn't look round, even when_the little flurry(spell) at the church door heralded(messenger) the arrival of the_bride.__Olivia, whose heart was as generously large as her person, felt a pang_of concern at the sight of her. A rather short girl and dumpy, and_decked out most unsuitably in quantities of white lace and satin. She_had a long thin nose, too, and
although her eyes were large and blue_her mouth was discontented. On her
wedding-day? thought Olivia. _Perhaps her shoes pinch(touch)!__She still looked
discontented as she and Rodney came down the aisle(walkway/corridor))_later, but Rodney looked pleased with himself, smiling and nodding(sleepy) to_his friends. At the sight of Olivia his smile faltered(hesitate) for a moment,_and then he grinned and winked(twinkle) before leading his bride out into the_churchyard(cemetery) for the photographs.__The reception was at the bride's home, with a marquee on the lawn_behind the solid redbrick residence. Rodney, decided Olivia, getting_out of the car, had done well for himself.__Guests were arriving all the time and as a car drew up to park beside_them a woman of Olivia's age poked(push) her head out of its window.__"Olivia, my dear girl--someone said you were in church. Such a_surprise, we all thought that you and Rodney--' She broke off as Mr._van
der Eisler joined Olivia.__Sarah Dowling had never been one of Olivia's
friends but an_acquaintance(friend) merely, living some miles away from her home
and_encountered only at dances in other people's houses.__"Hello, Sarah," she
smiled, from under the brim of her hat.__"Isn't it a lovely day for a
wedding? Of course we had to come to the_wedding--Rodney and I are such old
friends..."__Sarah had been taking stock of Mr. van der Eisler.__"Is this--
are you...?"__He smiled charmingly.__"Haso van der Eisler, and yes, we
are."__Olivia went a becoming pink.__"Oughtn't we to go in?" She didn't look
at him as they joined the file_of guests greeting the bride and
groom.__Olivia shook hands with Rodney's father and mother, introduced Mr.
van_der Eisler, and found herself face to face with Rodney.__"Olivia, old
girl. So glad you could come and you've brought...?"__"Haso van der Eisler,"
said Olivia calmly, and turned to shake hands_with the bride. Murmuring(speak softy) the usual compliments, she heard Rodney.__"You'll be the next man to get caught,
I suppose. We shall expect to_come to the wedding, you know," he said
Pompously(self-importantly).__She was rather surprised at the number of people who remembered_her--mostly chance acquaintances(link) whom she had met when staying with her_grandmother, none of them friends.__They all stayed to gossip and
eye Mr. van der Eisler, who bore their_scrutiny(study) with bland(weak) politeness.
Olivia was sure that he was finding_the whole affair tiresome and heaved a
sigh of thankfulness when Rodney_and his bride went away to change and