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Credit to Betty Neels
A CHRISTMAS WISH_by_BETTY NEELS
She got out her key, unlocked the door, and went into the little hall,_hung her outdoor things on the old fashioned oak stand and went through_to the sit ting-room. Her mother looked up with a smile.__"Hello, love. Have you had a busy day?"__Olivia bent to kiss her cheek.__"Just nicely so," she said cheerfully, and crossed the small room to_greet her grandmother. Mrs. Fitzgibbon was sitting very up right in a_Regency mahogany open armchair (easy chair) with a leather seat and wooden arms, by_no means comfortable but the old lady had inherited it from her mother,_who had acquired it from some vague (blurred) relation who had been married to a_baronet, a fact which seemed to ensure its comfort from Mrs._Fitzgibbon's point of view. She said severely now, "Really, Olivia,_your hair is badly in need of a brush, and is that plastic bag you're_carrying really necessary? When I was a gel..."__Olivia interrupted her quickly.__"I called in at Mr. Patel's as I got off the bus--he had some nice_lettuces; you like a salad with your supper. "__She made a small comic face at her mother and went to her room-- very_small, just room for the narrow (limited) bed, the old-fashioned wardrobe (cupboard) and a_small chest of drawers with an old-fashioned looking-glass on it._Rodney had phoned to say that he would come for her at around seven_o'clock so she poked (jab) around, deciding what she would wear, and then,_undecided, went to the kitchen to start the supper. Lamb chops (slice), mashed (pound)_potatoes and carrots. There were a couple of tomatoes in the fridge_and a rather wizened apple. She contrived (fixed) a small salad with the_lettuce, laid (arrange) the table in the poky (crowded) diningroom beside the kitchen, and_went to pour her grandmother's sherry. She poured (empty) a glass for her_mother too, ignoring her grandmother's sharp look.__She went back to the kitchen and the phone rang. It was probably_Rodney, to say that he would be earlier than they had arranged. She_turned down the gas and went into the hall where the phone was. It was_Rodney. His faintly (weakly) pompous (self-important), "Hello, Olivia," sounded rather more so_than usual, but it was one of the things she had decided didn't_matter.__Her own 'hello' was cheerful.__"If you're coming earlier than you said, I won't be ready..."__"Well, as a matter of fact, I can't come, Olivia-something's turned up_and I can't get away."__"Oh, bad luck. Let's go out tomorrow instead."__She felt faintly uneasy at his hesitancy (indecision).__"It's a long job," he said finally, "I may have to go away..."__She was instantly sympathetic.__"Big business and very hush-hush (secret)?" she wanted to know.__"Well, if it's going to give you a leg-up (chance), I won't crumble (fall down). You don't_know when you're going?"__"No, no, nothing's settled yet. I'll give you a ring. Can't stay any_longer now."__She was disappointed but still cheerful.__"Don't get overworked ( unoriginal)..." His goodbye interrupted her, and she put the_phone down with the feeling that something was wrong. My imagination,_she told herself, and went to stretch (make bigger) the supper (evening meal) to allow for another_person and then tell her mother that she wouldn't be going out after_all.__Her grandmother, listening, observed tartly (sharply), "You can't rely on the_young men of today. Rodney's eyes are too close together."__Which was difficult to refute(contest), for they were.__The week wore on. Debbie enlivened (liven up) the days with her chatter (babble),_confiding with a good deal of giggling (laugh nervously) the carrying on of her various_boyfriends, while Olivia patiently did most of the filing (folder) and hurriedly_resorted Debbie's careless efforts.__"You ought (must) to go out more often," declared Debbie as they drank their_mid-morning coffee.__"Never mind that Rodney of yours," she added with an unconscious (unaware) lack_of concern, 'it would do him good. He ought to be taking you out_somewhere every blessed moment he's free. Give him a ring and say you_want to go out this evening; there's a smashing(break/shatter)) film on at the Odeon in_Leicester Square. "__"He's not here. I mean he's had to go away something to do with his_firm."__"Don't you know where he is?"__"No idea."__"Ring wherever he works and ask for his address. He's not MIs or_anything hush-hush is he?"__"No something in the Stock Exchange."__Olivia got up and went back to the shelves (put on hold) with a pile (mountain) of folders just_as the door opened.__Here he was again, as elegant as she remembered him and as calm.



PAGE 3
She_left Debbie to ask him if she could help him.__"Indeed (really) you can. Once again I have here Mrs. Elizabeth Brown's notes,_but it is Mrs. Eliza Brown who is my patient."__Debbie beamed (big smile) at him.__"Oh, sorry that's me. I make mistakes all the time only Olivia puts_them right and covers up for me. It's a dull (boring) job, you know."__"I can appreciate that." He looked past her and wished Olivia a bland (plain/weak)_good morning.__"Olivia," he added, and before she could answer that he said, "And you,_young lady, what is your name?"__"Debbie what's yours? You aren't on the staff, are you? Have you come_here to brush up your technique or something?"__"Or something?" He smiled a little.__"And my name is van der Eisler."__"Foreign," said Debbie.__"You wouldn't know it except you're on the large side. Got friends_here?"__"Er, yes, I have."__Olivia, feverishly (excitedly) seeking Mrs. Eliza Brown's notes, clutched (grasp/hold) them_thankfully and took them to him. He took them from her with a brief (short)_nod (move up and down).__"I mustn't keep you from your work," he observed. He sounded as though_he had already dismissed (send home) them from his thoughts.__As he closed the door behind him Debbie said, "Olivia, why did you_hide? Isn't he great? A pity you found the notes just as I was going_to suggest that he might like me to show him round the town."__Olivia said sharply, "You wouldn't, Debbie he might be someone_fearfully important."__"Him? If he were, he wouldn't come down to this hole, would he? He'd_send a nurse. I think he rather liked me."__"Why not? You're pretty and amusing (funny), and you can look small and_helpless at the drop of a hat..."__"Yes, I know, but you're not just pretty, Olivia, you're beautiful._Even if you are well, amply (fully) curved (bent)."__Olivia laughed then.__"Yes, I know, and as strong as a horse.__Even if I were to faint there wouldn't be anyone strong enough to pick_me up off the floor. "__"He could--strong enough to carry a grand (luxurious) piano upstairs without a_single puff(breath)..."__"I'm not a grand piano!" laughed Olivia.__"Look, we'd better get on, it's almost time for our dinner- break."__They went to the canteen in turn and Debbie, going first, came back_with disquieting (worrying) news.__"You know that girl who works in the secretary's office?"__"Mary Gates," said Olivia.__"What's happened to her--got engaged?"__"No, no. She told me something she'd overheard (hear). There's not enough_money--they are planning to make redundancies--one's going to have to_do the work of two. Olivia, supposing it's me who goes? Whatever_shall I do? With Dad out of work, Mother's part-time job barely (hardly) pays_the rent."__Olivia said matter-offactly (ironically), "Well, we don't know anything yet, do we?_They could have been talking about another hospital--and I don't see_how they could get rid of one of us."__"Well, I do. You're too nice, Olivia. Do you suppose these people who_sit around talking over super food and drink care a damn if they cut_back on jobs, just as long as they can save some money for some pet (make a fuss(argument) of) _scheme or other? We aren't people to them, just stat-stat..."__"Statistics," supplied Olivia.__"Debbie, don't worry. If--and I say it's a big if--one of us is given_the sack (bag) it will be me; they have to pay me more because__I'm older. You're not yet twenty-one so you earn (get) less. "__Debbie looked relieved (thankful) and then asked, "But what will you do?"__"Oh, I can turn my hand to anything," said Olivia airily, and took_herself off to the canteen. She shared a table with two clerks from_Admissions, older than herself, competent, hard-working ladies both.__"There's a nasty (cruel) rumour (gossip) going round," one of them said to Olivia as she_sat down.__"They're cutting down, starting with the domestics and then us."__"Is it just a rumour(gossip) or for real?"__"We're to get letters tomorrow, warning us, and at the end of next week_we shall get notes in our pay envelopes if we're to be made_redundant (out of job/laid off)."__Olivia pushed shepherd's (guide) pie and two veg around the plate.__Something would have to be done about Debbie. Her own wages would be_missed at home, but they wouldn't starve (have nothing to eat) and they had a roof over their_heads whereas Debbie's family would be in sore(tender) straits.She ate prunes_and custard, drank the strong tea, and went along to the secretary's_office.__He wasn't there, but his PA was--a nice girl, who Olivia knew_slightly.__"I want you to help me," said Olivia in a no-nonsense (straightforward / plain-speaking) voice.


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She was listened to without interruption, then the PA said, "I'll do my_best--shall I say that you've got another job lined up (in information)? The hospital_manager will be delighted (happy); he's going to be very unpopular."__Olivia went back to her work, and spent the rest of the day doing her_best to reassure (support) Debbie.__It was pay-day in the morning and, sure enough, everyone had a letter_in their pay-packet, setting out the need to retrench (save money), cut costs and_improve hospital services.__"How will they do that if there aren't enough of us to go round?"_demanded (order) Debbie.__"I shan't dare tell my mum."__"Not until next week," cautioned (care) Olivia.__"You haven't got the sack (bag/pack) yet."__The next week crawled (move slowly) to its end and Olivia opened her pay packet to_find a note advising her that she had been given a week's notice._Although she had been fairly sure that she would be the one to go, it_was still a blow—mitigated to a certain extent (amount/level) by Debbie's relief.__"Though how I'll manage on my own, I don't know," she told Olivia.__"I'm always filing things wrong."__"No, you aren't. Besides, you'll be extra careful now."__"What about you? Have you got a job to go to?"__"Not yet, but we can manage quite well until I find something else._Look, Debbie, we've got next week--let's check the shelves together so_that everything is OK before I go."__She hadn't told her mother yet; that could wait until she had actually_left. Thank heaven, she reflected (return), that it's spring. We can econo_mise on the heating (warmth) if only we can get Grandmother to cooperate, and_not go round the flat turning on lights that aren't needed and_switching on the electric fires and then forgetting them. It was,_after all, her flat-something of which she reminded them constantly.__They worked like beavers during the next week, and although Olivia was_glad that she need no longer work in the dreary (boring/dull) underground(alternative) room she_was sorry to leave Debbie. She put a brave face on it, however,_assured (sure) her that she had her eye on several likely jobs, collected her_pay-packet for the last time and went home. The bus was as usual_crowded, so she stood, not noticing her feet being trodden (compact) on, or the_elderly lady with the sharp elbows which kept catching her in the ribs (beam)._She was regretting leaving without seeing that nice man who had been so_friendly. Doubtless back in Holland by now, she thought, and forgotten_all about us.__She waited until they had had their supper before she told her mother_and grandmother that she had lost her job. Her mother was instantly_sympathetic.__"Of course you'll find something else much nicer," she said, 'and until_you do we can manage quite well. "__Her grandmother wasn't as easy to placate (calm down).__"Well, what do you expect?" she wanted to know.__"You're not really trained for anything, and quite right too. No gel (come together)_should have to go out to work--not people of our background..." Mrs._Fitzgibbon, connected by marriage to the elderly baronet and his family_who never took any notice of her, was inclined (of a mind) to give herself airs (self-importance/egotism).__"All the same," she went on, 'of course you must find something else at_once. I, for one, have no intention of living in penury; heaven knows_I have sacrificed a great deal so that both of you should have a home_and comfort. "__She stared (gaze/look) at her granddaughter with beady eyes.__"Well, Olivia, perhaps that young man of yours will marry you now."__"Perhaps he will," said Olivia brightly, thinking to herself that_perhaps he wouldn't--she hadn't heard from him for almost three_weeks--and anyway, the last time they had been out together he had told_her that he had his eye on a new car. The nasty (cruel) thought that perhaps_the new car might receive priority over herself crossed her mind._Rodney had never been over-loving, and she had told herself that it was_because they had known each other for some time and his feelings had_become a trifle (touch) dulled. Perhaps it was a good thing that they hadn't_seen each other for a few weeks; he might look at her with new eyes and_ask her to marry him.__Something he had not as yet done, although there was a kind of unspoken_understanding between them. Anyway, now was not the time to worry_about that. A job was the first thing she must think about.








PAGE 5
She had been given good references but it seemed that her skills as
a_filing-clerk weren't much in demand She went out each day, armed (prepared) with_the details of suitable jobs culled (choose) from the newspapers, and had no_luck at all; she couldn't use a word-processor; she had no idea how to_work with a
computer, and a cash register was a closed book as far as_she was concerned (worried). The week was almost up when Rodney phoned. He_sounded--she thought for a word--excited, and she wondered why. Then_he said, "I want to talk to you,
Olivia, can we meet somewhere? You_know how it is if I come and see you at
your grandmother's place..."__"Where do you suggest? I've things to tell you
too."__"Yes?" He didn't sound very interested.__"Meet me at that French
place in Essex Road this evening. Seven_o'clock."__He rang off before she
could agree.__He had sounded different she reflected as she went to tell her
mother_that she would be out that evening. Mrs. Fitzgibbon, reading
the_newspaper by the window, put it down.__"And high time too," she
observed.__"Let us hope that he will propose." She picked up her paper
again,_"One less mouth to feed," she muttered nastily (cruelly).__Perhaps you get like
that when you're old, thought Olivia, and gave her_mother a cheerful wink.
It was of no use getting annoyed (angry), and she knew_that her grandmother's waspish tongue was far kinder to her mother, an_only daughter who had married the
wrong man--in her grandmother's eyes_at least--and it was because Olivia was
more like her father than her_mother that her grandmother disliked her. If
she had been slender (slim) and_graceful ( elegant) and gentle, like her mother, it might have been a different_kettle of fish. She dressed with care presently, anxious to
look her_best for Rodney. The jacket and skirt, even though they were
four_years old, were more or less dateless, as was the silk blouse which_went
with them. She didn't look too bad, she conceded to herself,_studying her
person in her wardrobe mirror, only she wished that she_were small and
dainty (elegant). She pulled a face at her lovely reflection,_gave her hair a final
pat, and bade her mother goodbye.__"Take a key," ordered her
grandmother.__"We don't want to be wakened at all hours."__Olivia said
nothing. She couldn't remember a single evening when_Rodney hadn't driven
her back well before eleven o'clock.__Perhaps, she mused (think), sitting in an
almost empty bus, she and Rodney had_known each other for too long. Although
surely when you were in love_that wouldn't matter? The thought that perhaps
she wasn't in love with_him took her breath. Of course she was. She was
very fond(loving) of him; she_liked him, they had enjoyed cosy(comfortable) little dinners in out
of the way_restaurants and had gone to the theatre together and she had been
to_his flat. Only once, though. It was by the river in a new block of_flats
with astronomical rents, and appeared to her to be completely_furnished,
although Rodney had listed a whole lot of things which he_still had to have.
Only then, he had told her, would he contemplate (consider)_settling (settle) down to married life.__It was a short walk from the bus-stop and she was punctual but he
was_already there, sitting at a table for two in the corner of the
narrow_room. He got up when he saw her and said 'hello' in a hearty (energetic) way,
not_at all in his usual manner.__She sat down composedly and smiled at
him.__"Hello, Rodney.__Was your trip successful? "__"Trip? What..,.? Oh,
yes, very. What would you like to drink?"__Why did she have the feeling that
she was going to need something to_bolster (strengthen/support) her up presently?__"Gin and tonic," she told him. A drink she disliked but Debbie, who_knew about these things, had assured her once that there was nothing_like it to pull
(draw/drag) a girl together.__Rodney looked surprised.__"That's not like you, Olivia."__She didn't reply to that.__"Tell me what you've been doing, and why do you want to talk, Rodney?_It's lovely to see you, but you sounded so--so urgent on the
phone."__He had no time to answer because the waiter handed them the menus
and_they both studied them. At least Olivia appeared to be studying
hers,_but actually she was wondering about Rodney. She asked for
mushrooms_in a garlic sauce and a Dover sole with a salad, and took a
heartening (comforting)_sip (drink) of her drink.



PAGE 6
It was horrible but she saw what Debbie meant.
She_took another sip.__Their talk was trivial (unimportant) as they ate. Whatever it was Rodney had to tell_her would doubtless be told over their coffee.__He was an
Amusing (funny) companion, going from one topic to the next and never_once mentioning his own work. Nor did he ask her about her own job or_what she had been
doing. She would tell him presently, she decided,_and suppressed peevish (bad-tempered) surprise when he waved(signal) away the waiter with his_trolley of desserts and
ordered coffee. She was a girl with a healthy_appetite (need to eat) and she had had her eye on the peach pavlova.__She poured the coffee and caught Rodney's
eye.__"Well?" she asked pleasantly.__"Out with it, my dear. Have you been
made redundant--I..."__"Olivia, we've known each other a long time-we've been
good_friends--you may even have expected us to marry. I find this
very_difficult to say..."__"Well, have a go!" she encouraged in a matter-offact
voice which_quite concealed(covered/hidden) her shock.__"As you say, we've been friends
for a long time."__"Perhaps you've guessed." Rodney was having difficulty in
coming to_the point.__"Well, no, I can't say I have."__"The truth is I
haven't been away--I wanted to tell you but it was too_difficult. I'm in
love. We're going to be married very shortly..."__"Before you get your new
car?" asked Olivia. Silly, but what else to_say?__"Yes, yes, of course.
She's worth a dozen new cars. She's_wonderful."__She looked at him across
the table. Her grandmother was quite right:_his eyes were too close
together.__She smiled her sweetest smile.__"Why, Rodney, how could I possibly
have thought such a thing? I'm_thinking of getting married myself."__"You
could have told me..."__She gave him a limpid look. He looked awkward (uncomfortable) and added, "What's he_like? Has he got a good job? When are you getting married?"__"Handsome. He has a profession and we intend to marry quite
soon._Enough about me, Rodney, tell me about the girl you're going to
marry._Is she pretty? Dark? Fair?"__"Quite pretty. I suppose you'd call
her fair. Her father's chairman_of several big companies."__"Now that is
nice--a wife with money-bags."__He looked astounded (amazed).__"Olivia, how can you say such a thing?__We're old friends--I can't believe my ears. "__"Old
friends can say what they like to each other, Rodney.__If I stay here much
longer I might say a great deal (agreement) more, so I'll go._"__He got to his feet as
she stood up.__"You can't," he spluttered.__"I'll drive you back; it's the
least I can do."__"Don't be a pompous ( self-imortant) ass," said Olivia pleasantly, and
walked out of the_bistro (cafe) and started along the street to the busstop.__
Sitting in the bus presently, she decided that her heart wasn't
broken._Her pride had a nasty dent (depression) in it, though, and she felt a sadness
which_would probably turn into self-pity unless she did something about
it._Of course it happened to thousands of girls, and she had to admit
that_she had thought of him as part of her pleasant life before her
father_had died, hoping that somehow or other she could turn back the clock
by_marrying him. She had been fond of him, accepted him as more than
a_friend, and although she had been in and out of love several times she_had
never given her whole heart; she had supposed that she would do_that when
they married.__"How silly can you get?" muttered Olivia, and the severe looking_
couple sitting in front of her turned round to stare.__"I counted my
chickens before they were hatched (shade/highlight)," she told them_gravely, and since it was her stop got off the bus.__"It must be the gin and tonic," she said to
herself.__"Or perhaps I'm in shock." She unlocked the front door and went
in.__"I'll make a strong cup of tea."__The sitting-room door was half
open.__"You're home early, darling," said her mother.__"Is Rodney with
you?"__Olivia poked her head round the door.__"I came home by bus.__I'm going
to make a cup of tea--would you like one? " She glanced (look)_across the room to
her grandmother.__"And you.__Granny? "__"You have refused him," said Mrs.
Fitzgibbon accusingly.__"It is time you lea mt on which side your bread is
buttered, Olivia."__"You're quite right. Granny, his eyes are too close together, and he's_going to marry the daughter of a chairman of several
large_companies."__"


PAGE 7
"Do not be flippant (jokey), Olivia. What do you intend(mean/propose) to
do?"__"Put the kettle on and have a cup of tea," said Olivia.__"You're not
upset, darling?" asked her mother anxiously.__"We all thought he wanted to
marry you."__Olivia left the door and went to drop a kiss on her mother's
cheek.__"I'm not a bit upset, love." She spoke with matter- offact_
cheerfulness because her mother did look upset. Unlike her daughter_she
was a small, frail (weak) little woman, who had been cherished all her_married life
and was still bewildered (confused) by the lack of it, despite (even though)_Olivia's care of her.__"I'll make the tea."__She sat between the two of them presently,
listening to her grandmother_complaining about the lack of money, her lack of
a job, and now her_inability (failure) to get herself a husband.__"You're such a big
girl," observed Mrs. Pitzgibbon snappily.__Olivia, used to this kind of talk
and not listening to it, drank her_tea and presently took herself off,
washing the tea things in the_kitchen, laying her grandmother's breakfast
tray (plate) and their own_breakfast, before she at last closed the door of her
room.__Now, at last, she could cry her eyes out in peace.___

summary
its about Olivia. She lives with her mother and granny(grandmother). She works at hospital. Maybe as a clerk. Her grandmother look like hate her. Olivia already loose her job when her company have faced a problem. Olivia have a special someone, name Rooney. They known each other a long time. But, Olivia feel something happen with Rooney. After Rooney going somewhere, he want to meet Olivia to say something important. Its just about Rooney wants marry other girls, that’s more rich. As usually, her granny only menyalahkan Olivia on this matter.


Comment.
8 Disember 2008
Hari Raya Aidil Adha
Actually, I don’t understand about this story at the first time I read it. But, I always repeated to read this chapter. Thank god, I already understand what I read. But, just a little. When I think again, it so tired to do this job. No..no..
I should think positive. This is to improved my English.
Im so bored today. Last night I cant sleep. My friend told me maybe someone miss u.is it??i don’t think so. Something has happen in my life. So sad..but I must strong. And I will receive my result maybe for this week. Im so worry n scare about it. I wish I get good result. Amin..

CHAPTER TWO__
Debbie looked up from the piles of folders on the table in the
Records_Office as the door opened and Mr. van der Eisler came in.
Her_disconsolate (unhappy) face broke into a smile at the sight of him, although
she_asked with a touch of wariness (care), "Oh, hello--have I sent the wrong
notes_up again? I can't get anything right, and now that Olivia's not
here_to sort(type) things out for me I seem to be in a muddle (disorder) the whole time."__He came unhurriedly to the table and glanced(look) at the untidy piles on_it.__"I expect it will get easier once you have got used to being on your_own. And I
do want some notes, but there's no hurry. Do you have to_file these before
you go home?"__She nodded.__"It's almost five o'clock and I daren't leave
them until the morning;_there'll be some bossy (domineering) old sister coming down and wanting to know where_this and that is.__` so-and-sos. "__"Ten
minutes' work at the most," declared Mr. van der Eisler.__"I'll sort them
into alphabetical order, you file them."__"Cor--you mean you'll give a hand?
But no one ever does..."__He was already busy, and after a moment she did as
he suggested.__"I expect you miss Olivia," he observed presently.__"You bet I
do."__"Does she come to see you?" His voice was casual.__"No, worse luck.
Doesn't live near here. Her granny's got a flat_Islington way; she and her
mum have to live with her since her dad_died, left them badly off. Not that
Olivia told me much--shut up like_an oyster when it came to her private
life." She laughed.__"Not like me."__He handed her another pile of
folders.__"You live near the hospital?"__"Five minutes walk. Me dad's out of
work. Mum's part-time at the_supermarket. Was I scared that I'd get the
sack (bag)? Olivia didn't tell_me, but the girl in the office said as how she had
another job to go_to. This wasn't her cup of tea. Been to one of those ladi-
da_schools, I dare say. Always spoke posh (high-class), if you see what I mean."__Mr.
van der Eisler agreed that he saw.__"Not many jobs going in Islington, I
should have thought."__"Not where her granny lives--one of those dull streets
with rows of_houses with net curtains. Had a soppy(wet/weak) name too--Sylvester
Crescent(semi-curcular)."__Mr. van der Eisler's heavy lids(tpo/cover) drooped over the gleam(sparkle) in his
eyes.__"Very fanciful(fantastic)," he agreed. He handed over the last pile, waited
while_Debbie filed the folders away and came back to the table, made
his_request for the notes he needed, listened with a kind smile to her_thanks
and, with the folder under his arm, took himself off.__Debbie, bundling
herself into her jacket, addressed the tidy shelves.__"Now there's a real
gent for you. That was a nice chat too--no one_knows how dull it is down
here these days."__Mr. van der Eisler, discussing the next day's list with
the senior_surgical registrar and the theatre sister, wrung (compress/twist) from that lady a_reluctant (unwilling) assent(agree) to begin operating at eight o'clock in the morning_instead of an hour later, gave her a smile to set her elderly heart_beating a good deal faster, and took his leave.







PAGE 8
"That man could wring(press) blood from a stone,"
declared Sister.__"I'm sure I don't know why I let him get away with
it..."__The registrar laughed.__"Go one with you, you know you'd agree to
open theatre at six a.m. He's_a splendid man and a first-rate surgeon. He's
been here several weeks_now, hasn't he? Handed over several new techniques,
shared his ideas_with Mr. Jenks-between them they've perfected them--look at
Mrs. Eliza_Brown."__"He'll be leaving soon, I suppose."__"Yes, and Mr. Jenks
is going back with him for a week or two." He_turned to leave.__"He'll be
back, I've no doubt--goes all over the place--got an_international reputation
already. Not bad for a man of thirty-six."__He wandered away to look out of
a window, in time to see Mr. van der_Eisler's grey Bentley edge out of the
hospital forecourt(hall).__"I wonder where he goes?" he reflected aloud.__Mr. van
der Eisler was going to Islington to cast his eye over_Sylvester Crescent.
He found it eventually, tooling patiently up and_down identical streets of
identical houses, and drove its length until_he came to Mr. Patel's shop,
still open.__Mr. van der Eisler, who never purchased(buy) food for his
excellently run_household(family/home), nevertheless purchased a tin of baked beans, and engaged Mr._Patel in casual conversation.__Naturally enough the talk led to observations about Islington and_Sylvester Crescent in particular.__"A quiet
area," observed Mr. van der Eisler.__"Flats, I suppose, and elderly
people."__"You are right, sir." Mr. Patel, with no customers in the offing,
was_glad of a chat.__"Many elderly ladies and gentlemen. It is not a street
for the_young--and an awkward(uncomfortable) journey to the day's work. There is
Miss_Harding, who lives with her grandmother Mrs. Fitzgibbon at
number_twenty-six, but I see her each morning now, and I think she must
no_longer work." He sighed.__"Such a beautiful young lady too.__It is dull
here for the young. "__Mr. van der Eisler murmured(whisper) suitably, remarked that
Mr. Patel and his_shop must be a boon(benefit/bonus) and a blessing to the neighbourhood,
Professed(apparent)_himself pleased with his purchase, paid for it and got back into
his_car.__Number twenty-six was in the middle of the row of houses and there
was_a chink(gap) of light showing between the heavy curtains pulled across
the_windows on the ground floor.__He drove back to the quiet, elegant street
near Sloane Square and let_himself into his ground-floor flat to be met in
the hall by his_housekeeper.__"You're late, sir. Your dinner's ready and
I'll be so bold(brave) as to say_that it won't keep for more than five
minutes."__"Excellent timing, Becky." He patted her plump(fat) shoulder and
added,_"Here's something for you to amuse(interest) yourself with."__He handed her the
bag and she looked inside.__"Mr. Haso, whatever will you do next? Since
when have you eaten baked_beans?" She gave him a suspicious glance.__"What
did you want to buy it for?"__"Well, I needed to ask for some information and
the best place was the_local corner shop."__Miss Rebecca Potts, elderly now,
and long since retired as his nanny,_was his devoted(loyal) housekeeper whenever he
was in London, and she knew_better than to ask him why he wanted to know
something. All the same,_she gave him a sharp look.__"I'll dish up(serve)," she
told him severely.__"You've time for a drink."__He picked up his bag and went
down the hall to his study and sat down_in the leather armchair drawn up to
the fire. A drink in his hand, he_sat quietly, busy with his thoughts, until
Becky knocked on the door.__It was two days before he had the opportunity to
return to Sylvester_Crescent. He had no plan as to what he intended doing,
only the vague_idea of seeing Olivia going to or from the shops or, failing
that,_calling at her grandmother's flat with some trumped- up(false) story
about_Debbie.__Perhaps, he thought ruefully(sorrowfully), once he had met her again, he
would be_able to get her off his mind.__He saw her as he turned the car into
Sylvester Crescent, coming towards_him in her well-worn(worn) jacket and skirt, her
bright hair a splash(wet) of_colour in the sober(moderate) street, a shopping basket over
her arm. He slowed_the car and stopped as she drew abreast(side by side) of it.__

PAGE 9
The quick colour swept over her face when she saw him but she said_composedly, "Why,
good morning, Mr. van der Eisler.__Have you a patient to visit? "__Mr. van
der Eisler, an upright and god fearing man, could on occasion_lie like a
trooper when it was necessary, and he considered that this_was
necessary.__"No, no, I have a few hours with nothing to do. I am looking for
a_suitable flat for a friend who will be coming to London for a
few_months."__He got out of the car and stood beside her.__"A most delightful
surprise to meet you again. I was in the Records_Office only the other day
and Debbie was telling me how much she missed_you. She tells me that you
have another job--how fortunate(lucky)..."__"Yes, isn't it?" She caught his eye and
something in his look made her_add, "Well, no, I haven't actually. I told
her that because she was_worried about getting the sack. Is she
managing?"__"Tolerably(acceptably) well." He smiled down at her, looking so kind that she had_a sudden urge(advise) to tell him about her grandmother, whose nasty(cruel) little_digs(lodgings/room) about her not getting a job had done nothing to make her fruitless(unproductive)_efforts easier to bear(tolerate). Instead she said briskly(fast), "It's nice
meeting_you, but don't let me keep you from your house-hunting."__Mr. van
der Eisler, never a man to be deterred(frighten) from his purpose, stood_his
ground.__"As to that--' he began, and was interrupted by the sudden
appearance_of Rodney, who had pulled in behind the Bentley and was grabbing
Olivia_by the arm.__"Olivia--I had to come and see you..." Olivia removed
her arm.__"Why?" she asked coldly.__"Oh, old friends and all that, you know.
Wouldn't like you to think_badly of me--you did walk off in a huff(puff)..." He
glanced at Mr. van der_Eisler towering over him, a look of only the faintest
interest upon his_face.__"I say," Rodney went on, 'is this the lucky man?
"__He shook hands, beaming.__"Olivia said she was going to get married--
described you to a T. Well,_everything works out for the best, doesn't it?"
He patted(touch/hit) Olivia's_shoulder.__"You don't know what a relief it is to see you
so happy. Can't stop_now. My regards to your mother. Bye, old girl."__He
flashed a smile at them both, got back into his car, and drove away_without
looking back.__Olivia looked at her feet and wished she could stop blushing(shy),
and Mr._van der Eisler looked at the top of her head and admired her
hair.__"I can explain," said Olivia to her shoes.__"It wasn't you I
described; I said he was very large and had a_profession and a great deal of
money." She added crossly, "Well,_that's what any girl would say, isn't
it?"__Mr. van der Eisler, used to unravelling(separating) his patients' meanderings,
hit_the nail on the head accurately.__"Any girl worth her salt," he agreed
gravely(seriously).__"Did you actually intend to marry this--this fellow?"__"Well, you
see, I've known him for years, long before Father died and_we had to move
here, and somehow he seemed part of my life then and I_didn't want to give
that up--do you see what I mean?"__She looked at him then. He looked just as
a favourite uncle or cousin_might have looked: a safe recipient of her woes(sadness),
ready to give sound_advice. She said breathlessly, "I'm sorry, I can't think
why I'm_boring you with all this.__Please forgive me-he-Rodney was something
of a shock. "__He took her basket from her.__"Get in the car," he suggested
mildly.__"We will have a cup of coffee before you do your shopping."__"No,
no, thank you. I can't keep you standing around any longer. I_must get the
fish..."__As she was speaking she found herself being urged gently into
the_Bentley.__"Tell me where we can get coffee I passed some shops further
back."__"There's the Coffee-Pot, about five minutes' walk away so it's
close_by. Aren't I wasting your time?" she asked uneasily.__"Certainly not.
In fact, while we are having it I shall pick your_brains as to the best way
of finding a flat."__The cafe was in a side-street. He parked the car,
opened her door for_her, and followed her into the half-empty place. It was
small, with_half a dozen tables with pink formica tops, and the chairs
looked_fragile. Mr. van der Eisler, a man of some seventeen stones
in_weight, sat down gingerly(carefully).



PAGE 10
He mistrusted(doubt) the chairs and he mistrusted_the
coffee which, when it came, justified his doubts, but Olivia, happy_to be
doing something different in her otherwise rather dull days,_drank hers with
every appearance of enjoyment and, while she did,_explained in a matter-offact
way about living with Granny.__"I dare say you are glad to have a brief
holiday," he suggested, and_handed her the plate of Rich Tea biscuits which
had come with the_coffee.__"Well, no, not really. I mean, I do need a job as
soon as possible,_only I'm not trained for anything really useful..." She
went on in a_bright voice, "Of course I shall find something soon, I'm
sure."__"Undoubtedly," he agreed, and went on to talk of other things. He
had_had years of calming timid(shy/nervous) patients, so he set about putting Olivia
at_her ease before mentioning casually that he would be going back to_Holland
very shortly.__"Oh--but will you come back here?"__"Yes. I'm an honorary
consultant at Jerome's, so I'm frequently over_here. I do have beds in
several hospitals in Holland--I divide my time_between the two." He drank
the last of the coffee with relief.__"Do you plan to stay with your
grandmother for the foreseeable(likely)_future?"__"Until I can get a job where Mother
and I can live together.__Only I'm not sure what kind of job. There are lots
of advertisements_for housekeepers and minders, although I'm not sure what a
minder is_and I'm not good enough at housekeeping, although I could do
domestic_work. "__He studied the lovely face opposite him and shook his
head.__"I hardly think you're suitable for that."__Which dampened her
spirits, although she didn't let him see that.__"I really have to go. It has
been nice meeting you again and I do hope_you find a nice flat for your
friend."__He paid the bill and they went outside, and she held out a hand as
they_stood on the pavement.__"Goodbye, Mr. van der Eisler. Please give
Debbie my love if ever you_should see her. Please don't tell her that I
haven't got a job yet."__She walked away quickly, wishing that she could
spend the whole day_with him; he had seemed like an old friend and she lacked
friends.__By the time she reached the fishmonger's the fillets(bone) of plaice that
her_grandmother had fancied for dinner that evening had been sold and she_had
to buy a whole large plaice and have it filleted, which cost a good_deal more
money. Olivia, her head rather too full of Mr. van der_Eisler, didn't
care.__Naturally enough, when she returned to the flat she was asked why
she_had spent half the morning doing a small amount of shopping.__"Loitering(wait)
around drinking coffee, I suppose," said Mrs. Fitzgibbon_accusingly.__"I met
someone I knew at the hospital; we had coffee together," said_Olivia. She
didn't mention Rodney.__Mr. van der Eisler drove himself back to his home,
ate the lunch Becky_had ready for him, and went to the hospital to take a
ward-round. None_of the students trailing him from one patient to the next
had the least_suspicion that one corner of his brilliant mind was grappling
with the_problem of Olivia while he posed courteous(polite) questions to each of them
in_turn.__Olivia had let fall the information that her grandmother had once
lived_in a small village in Wiltshire,__and in that county was the school
where his small goddaughter was a_boarder, since her own grandmother lived
near enough to it for her to_visit frequently during term-time. In the
holidays she went back to_Holland to her widowed mother, who had sent her to
an English school_because her dead husband had wanted that. Might there be a
possibility_of Mrs. Fitzgibbon and Nel's grandmother being acquainted, or at
least_having mutual(joint) friends? It was worth a try. "Now," he said in
his_placid(easy going) way, 'which of you gentlemen will explain to me the exact_reasons
which make it necessary for me to operate upon Miss Forbes? _"__He smiled
down at the woman lying in bed and added, "And restoring her_to normal good
health once more?" He sounded so confident that she_smiled back at him.__It
was several days before Mr. van der Eisler was free to drive down_to
Wiltshire. His small goddaughter's grandmother lived in a village_some five
or six miles from Bradford-on-Avon and on that particular_morning there was
more than a hint of spring in the air. The sky was_blue--albeit rather pale,
the sun shone--as yet without much warmth,_and the countryside was tipped with green.

PAGE 11
Slowing down to turn off_the road on to a narrow country lane
leading to Earleigh Gilford, he_told himself that he was wasting his time:
Olivia had probably got_herself a job by now and the chance of her
grandmother knowing Lady_Brennon was so remote as to be hopeless.__He had
phoned ahead and they met as old friends, for both of them had_been charged
with the care of Nel during term-time.__Lady Brennon was a youthful sixty,
living in a charming little Georgian_villa on the edge of the village, busy
with her garden and her_painting, her dogs and the various village committees(team)
on which she_sat.__"So nice to see you, Haso." She looked sad for a
moment.__"It seems a long time since Rob's wedding and your coming here as
his_best man. I miss him still, you know. Thank heavens we have
little_Nel."__They went into the house together and he asked, "Is she here
for the_weekend?"__"Yes, she'll be here on Saturday. There's no chance of
your staying_until then?"__"I'm afraid not. I'll try and get down before the
Easter holidays. In_fact, I might be able to arrange things so I can drive
her over to_Holland."__"That would be splendid." Lady Brennon poured their
coffee.__"The child's very fond(loving) of you. Rita phoned this week; she said
that_you had been to see her when you were in Holland.__Was she happy? "__"I
believe so. She likes her work and she has her friends.__She misses Nel, but
she wants to carry out Rob's wishes. "__"Of course. Probably she will
change her mind and come to live here_later on."__"Perhaps." He put down his
cup.__"Lady Brennon, did you know a Mrs. Fitzgibbon--oh, it would be
some_years ago? I believe she lived somewhere near Bradford-on-Avon."
He_dredged(search) up the bits and pieces of information that Olivia had
let_drop.__"I believe her daughter married a man called Harding-rather a
grand_wedding in Bath Abbey..."__"Fitzgibbon? The name rings a bell. You
know her? She is a friend of_yours? Rather an elderly one..."__"No. No. I
have never met her."__"Then I can tell you that she was a most disagreeable
woman--I remember_her very well--bullied her daughter, a rather sweet little
thing._Married against her wishes, I believe. I met her several times.
The_daughter had a little girl--the husband died, I believe, it was in
the_Telegraph a few years ago. Dear me, it must be almost thirty years_since
we met."__She gave Haso an enquiring(questioning) look.__"May I know why you are
interested in her?"__"I have met her granddaughter--she was working at
Jerome's as a filing_clerk, got made redundant(out of job) and can't find work.__She and her mother live with Mrs. Fitzgibbon and I gather are not_happy there.
Olivia has said very little about herself, "and I am_barely acquainted with
her, but she got herself sacked so that the girl_she worked with, who
desperately(very much/urgently/greatly) needs the money, could keep her job,_and I wondered(doubt) if you knew
of anything..." He smiled then.__"I have no personal interest in her; it is
only that I feel that she_deserves a better chance."__"Is she
educated?"__"Yes. Intelligent and well-mannered(polite), speaks well, very levelheaded(sensible/even-tempered),
I_should imagine. She is lacking in the essentials(basics) typing,
shorthand,_computers all that kind of thing. She had no need to work until
her_father died."__"Is she very young?"__"I should guess her to be in her
late twenties." He frowned(glower-antonym smile).__"I think she would make a good governess(lecture) if
they still have such_people."__"Not to any extent, I'm afraid. She might get
a post in a private_school, with the smaller children perhaps, or even taking
drama classes_for the older girls. What do you want me to do, Haso?"__"I'm
presuming(rash) on your kindness, Lady Brennon. If you should hear of_something
which might suit Olivia, could you possibly find a reason to_write to Mrs.
Fitzgibbon, mention the job, and say how you wished you_knew of someone
suitable to fill it? It is most unlikely, I know, but_a kindly fate does
occasionally step in. I don't wish her to know that_I have had anything to
do with it."__"I will be most discreet. It would certainly be an ideal
solution, and_since it would appear to Mrs. Fitzgibbon that it was through
her good_offices that Olivia should hear of the job she might present no difficulties.




PAGE 12
I'll ask around, my dear. There are any number of_schools
around here, you know."__They talked about other things then, and Olivia
wasn't mentioned again,_and later, as he drove himself back to London, Mr.
van der Eisler's_thoughts were of the week ahead of him--Liverpool and then
Birmingham,_then back to Holland. It was three weeks before he returned to
his_London home. It was late at night on the first day of his return_before
he had the leisure to sit down and read his post. A good deal_of it he
consigned to the wastepaper basket and then put the rest aside_while he read
the letter from Lady Brennon. She had telephoned him,_she wrote, and Becky
had told her that he was away so it seemed best to_write. By the greatest
good fortune, she went on, Nel had told her on_her half-term holiday that
Miss Tomkins, who it seemed was a Jill of_all trades at the school, had left
suddenly and there was no one to_take her place. Lady Brennon had acted with
speed, recommended Olivia_to the headmistress on the strength of his
recommendation, and written_to Mrs. Fitzgibbon, using the excuse that a
friend of hers had seen_Olivia's mother when she was in London and that that
had prompted(encourage) Lady_Brennon to write to her. A lie, of course, she had put in
brackets. _The letter continued:__"The upshot is, Haso, that your protegee is
at Nel's school, working_out the rest of the term, and if she proves
satisfactory she is to be_taken on on a termly basis and allowed to live in a
small annexe(new building) of the_school. Very poky, so Nel tells me, but there is room
for her mother_if she cares to go and live there. The salary is barely
adequate(enough) but,_as it has been pointed out, she has no qualifications. I hope
this_news will relieve you from further feelings of responsibility
towards_Olivia who, from Nel's account, is well-liked and apparently happy.
Do_phone when you can spare the time, and tell me how Rita is. Still
as_pretty as ever, I'm sure, and such a delightful companion. I hope
you_found time to see something of her."__He smiled as he put the letter
down, aware that it was Lady Brennon's_dearest wish that he should marry
Rita. What could be more suitable?_They knew each other well, her husband
had been his closest friend and_he had a strong affection for Nel. It was
all so suitable, and he_supposed that it would be a sensible thing to do. His thoughts strayed(get lost)_to Olivia;__when he went to school to collect Nel he would make a point of seeing_her. He supposed his interest in her had been heightened(sensitive) by the_injustice(prejudice) of her dismissal(discharge/removal from office). Now that she was settled he could dismiss_her from his mind, where she had been lurking(wait/loiter) for the past few
weeks.__Lady Brennon's letter had reached Mrs. Fitzgibbon at an
opportune_moment; there had been another letter in the post that morning,
for_Olivia, regretting that the post of assistant in a West End florist's_had
been filled.__Olivia, listening to her grandmother's diatribe(attack) on the
inability of_young women to find suitable employment allowed most of it to
flow over_her head she knew it by heart now. Instead she wondered about Mr.
van_der Eisler.__Back in Holland, she sup posed, and best forgotten.__A
silence from her grandmother made her look up. The old lady was_reading the
letter in her hand, and when she had finished it she_re-read it. She
spoke.__"It is a good thing that I have a number of connections with those of
a_good background." She put the letter down.__"This is a letter from an old
friend who by some remote chance has_written to me you need not concern
yourself as to the details." She_waited for Olivia to say something but,
since she had no intention of_concerning herself, she went on writing a note
for the milkman and_remained silent.__"There is a position at a girls' school
outside Bath making yourself_useful, as far as I can see. The current holder
has had to leave for_some family reason and the headmistress is anxious to
find someone_suitable at the earliest possible moment. She suggests that
you_telephone and make an appointment. The headmistress is coming to_London
let me see tomorrow."__Olivia felt her grandmother's beady eyes fixed on
her.__"Just what kind of a job is it. Granny?"__"How should I know? You




PAGE 13
must bestir yourself and go and find out for_yourself."__"After I have talked
to Mother. She'll be back presently, we can talk_about it then."__Mrs.
Harding thought it might be quite nice.__"Of course I shall miss you, love,
but you'll have the school_holidays."__"Yes, Mother. If it were possible,
would you come and live there if I_get the job--I dare say we could rent a
small house nearby."__"Oh, darling, that would be lovely, to live in the
country again." _They were in the kitchen with the door shut but all the same
she_lowered her voice.__"I'm sure Granny would like to have the flat to
herself again. Do go_and see this lady."__So Olivia went, and since it was a
fine day and quite warm she wore her_jersey dress--like most of her clothes
not the height of fashion but_still elegant. She hoped the headmistress
would like her, for although_she didn't like leaving her mother she would be
able to send her money_and they might even take a holiday together. Her
grandmother, she felt_sure, would be only too glad to be rid of them
both.__The headmistress. Miss Cross, was middle-aged, plump and goodnatured(friendly)_ and, when Olivia explained that she had no experience of any sort other_than filing documents, waved this aside.__"Come and see how you get
on," she suggested.__"There are still several weeks of this term--almost a
month.__If you like the work and we like you, then I'll employ you on a
termly_basis. You'll live in, of course--there's a small annexe you'll
have_to yourself. I don't know if you have a dependant? I've no
objection_to a mother or sister living with you. The salary is fair, I
consider,_and you get your meals while you're on duty. You're not married
or_anything like that? "__"No, Miss Cross."__"Then you ought to be, a lovely
creature like you! Start on Saturday._Let me know what time your train gets
to Bath;__I'll have you met. "__Coincidence(chance), good luck, fate--call it what
you will, reflected Olivia,_now something or someone had allowed her to fall
on her feet. She had_been at the school for two weeks and she was happy.
She wasn't sure_just what she could call herself, for no two days were alike,
but being_a practical girl she took that in her stride(pace/speed). She plaited small
heads_of hair, inspected(examine) fingernails if Matron was busy, played
rounders_during the games hour, took prep with the older girls, drove Miss
Cross_into Bath whenever she needed to go, washed the same small heads
of_hair, comforted those who had grazed(browse) knees and in between these
tasks_filled in for anyone on the staff who happened to be absent for
any_reason. It was a good thing that she had been good at games at
school,_for she found herself on several occasions(event) tearing(destroy) up and down the_hockey pitch blowing her whistle.__She had enjoyed it too.__The annexe
had been a pleasant surprise. It was small, certainly, but_there was a
living-room with an alcove(bay) used as a kitchen, a shower-room_and, up the
narrow staircase(stairs), two bedrooms just large enough to contain_a bed, a chest of
drawers and a chair. Whoever had had the place_before her had been clever
with orange boxes, disguising(costume) them as_bedside tables, bookshelves and an
extra seat with a cushion neatly(tidily)_nailed on to it.__If Miss Cross was to keep
her on then there was no reason why her_mother shouldn't come and stay with
her, even live with her. The_school was in the country, but there was a good
bus service into Bath_from the village.__Olivia, on this particular Saturday
morning, was rounding up the_smallest of the girls ready for their weekly
swimming lesson in the_heated swimming- pool in the school's basement. The
sports mistress_would be in charge but Olivia was expected to give a hand,
something_she enjoyed, for she was a good swimmer and teaching the
sometimes_unwilling learners was a challenge. She marched(demo) them through
the_school and down the stairs to the basement, saw them into
their_swimsuits, counted heads, and handed them over to Miss Ross, a
small_woman with a powerful voice, before going off to get into her
own_swimsuit.__While Miss Ross got on with the actual teaching Olivia
patrolled(watch) the_pool, swimming slowly, making sure that the children were under




PAGE 14
her_watchful(alert) eye, encouraging the faint-hearted(weak) to get their feet off
the_bottom of the pool and applauding(clap) those who were splashing(wet) their way_from one side to the other. Once they were all out of the water she_wrapped
herself in a robe and went round checking that each child had_showered,
finding mislaid(missing) garments(dress) and then collecting up the sopping_wet
swimsuits.__Only when they were all once more dressed and handed over to Miss
Ross_could she shower and dress herself, before hurrying back to the
school_to the recreation room where she was expected to dispense(distribute) hot cocoa and_biscuits. It should have been her half-day but the junior house_mistress
had gone to a wedding, which meant that Olivia would have the_charge of
fifteen little girls until they were in bed and hopefully_asleep. On Sunday
it was her turn to shepherd(drive) the whole school, under_the guidance of Miss
Cross and two of the senior teachers, to the_village church.__Getting ready
for bed that night she owned to being tired but not_unhappy. The pleasure of
sitting in one's own small home, drinking a_last cup of tea before getting
into bed, was by no means overrated._Perhaps she was a born old maid?__She
dismissed the idea.__"I shall be quite honest," she told herself, since there
was no one_else to tell, "I should like to marry and have a kind and
loving_husband and a handful of children. Never mind if there isn't
enough_money,__just enough to live on comfortably, and keep a dog or two, and
cats of_course, and perhaps a donkey. "__She put down her mug and took
herself upstairs to bed.__There was the opportunity to think quietly the next
morning;__the Reverend Bates' sermons were long and soothing, a
fitting_background for her thoughts, and since they were simple and
blameless_she didn't suppose that God would mind.__The end of term was
approaching(like/similar to), she reflected, and she would go back_to Granny's flat for almost three weeks.__During that time she would have to see what her mother thought
of_coming to live with her, always providing Miss Cross decided to keep_her.
The letters from her mother had been cheerful; Olivia thought_that without
her her mother and grandmother lived fairly amicably(politely)_together. All the same,
it would be nice if her mother was to pay a_visit.__She glanced(look) down the row
of childish faces under the school straw hats._Perhaps she had found her
niche in life. She sighed(view) and a small hand_crept(move quietly) into her lap(knee) and caught at her fingers, and she made haste(speed) to_smile down at the upturned little face. It was Nel, a nice child whose_Granny lived not too far away. She had
confided in Olivia one day that_her daddy had died and Mummy lived in
Holland, but she was here at_school because her Daddy had wanted her to be
educated in England.__"I'm half-Dutch," she had said proudly, and instantly
Mr. van der_Eisler's hand some features had swum(swim) before Olivia's eyes. She
had_wiped(clean) him out at once and suggested a game of Ludo.__With the end of term so near now there was an air of bustle(activity) and_excitement(enjoyment) at the school. Regular lessons gave way to exams, an_expedition to the Roman Baths in Bath, while Miss Prosser, who taught_history and geography, recited their history, and
finally the school_play, with its attendant rush and scurry(hurry) behind the
curtains, and then_the last morning, with all the little girls--dressed,
cases packed,_forgotten articles sought for and found--waiting anxiously to
be_collected.__The first parents arrived soon after breakfast and after them
a steady_stream of cars. Olivia, finding stray children, tying shoelaces
and_straightening(make straight) hats, remembered that she was to drive Miss Cross into_Bath that afternoon.__When she got back she would be able to pack her own things and by then_she would know if she was to return. Half the children had gone
when_Nel, standing beside her, gave a squeal(yell/cry) of delight.__"There's Mummy and Uncle Haso."__She gave Olivia a poke(jab/punch) to make sure that she was
listening.__"We're going to Holland..."__"How nice," said Olivia, and allowed
her lovely mouth to drop open. _Mr. van der Eisler, accompanied by an
elegantly dressed woman with fair_hair cut in a boyish crop, was coming
towards her.__Her surprise was so absolute that she could think of nothing to


PAGE 15
say,_but Mr. van der Eisler, whose surprise wasn't surprise at all
but_actually looked genuine(real), nodded in a friendly way.__"Olivia--who would
have expected to see you here?"__He suffered a hug from Nel and turned to his
companion.__"Rita, this is a young lady who worked at Jerome's. Nel's
mother,_Olivia--Mrs. Brennon."__"How nice," said Mrs. Brennon, which could
have meant anything. She_didn't shake hands but kissed her daughter and
said, "Shall we go,_Haso? Lady Brennon will be expecting us..." She smiled
briefly at_Olivia.__"Goodbye. I do hope that Nel has been good."__She didn't
wait for an answer but took Nel's hand and went to the_car.__Mr. van der
Eisler paused just long enough to ask if she was happy.__"Oh, very, thank
you." Just in case he hadn't been listening, she_added, "I have never been
so happy."__His, "Splendid," was uttered(spoken/voice) in a detached(separate) manner, as was
his_goodbye.___