330	A AIODERN  COMEDY
backward under Michael's arm. His whole demeanour
displayed a knowing criticism. " Puppies," he seemed to
say, " we do it in China. Judgment reserved ! "
ct What eyes ! " said Michael: " We needn't tell him that
this was brought from Chelsea by the doctor."
Fleur gave the tiniest laugh.
" Put him down, Michael."
Michael put him down, and he went to his corner.
" I mustn't talk," said Fleur, " but I want to, frightfully ;
as if I'd been dumb for months."
£ Just as I felt,' thought Michael, ' she's been away, away
somewhere, utterly away.'
" It was like being held down, Michael. Months of not
being yourself."
Michael said softly : " Yes ! the process is behind the
times ! Has he got any hair ? My mother wants to
know."
Fleur revealed the head of the eleventh baronet, covered
with dark down.
" Like my grandmother's ; but it'll get lighter. His
eyes are going to be grey. Oh ! and, Michael, about god-
parents ? Alison, of course—but men ? "
Michael dwelled a little before answering :
" I had a letter from Wilfrid yesterday. Would you like
him ? He's still out there, but I could hold the sponge for
him in church."
"• Is he all right again ? "
" He says so."
He could not read the expression of her eyes, but her lips
were pouted slightly.
" Yes," she said : " and I think one's enough, don't you ?
Mine never gave me anything."
" One of mine gave me a bible, and the other gave me a
wigging. Wilfrid, then." And he bent over her.