But I am sure he wanted to."
This was too subtle for the doctor. There were times when he frankly
admitted his inability to bridge Desire's conversational chasms. He
was often puzzled by the things she did not say.
"What was Benis thinking of," he said irritably, "to let you come
out in that bread cart?"
Desire laughed. "I hope he was thinking of the Significance of the
Totem. But I'm almost sure he wasn't."
"Does he ever think of anything but that blessed book of his?"
"I'm afraid he does--occasionally."
"You mean," with sharpened interest, "that he isn't quite as keen on
it as he used to be?"
"I mean that he doesn't like me to work too hard."
"Oh, I see. Perhaps he does not wish you to work too hard for me,
either?"
Desire folded her hands upon her bag and looked primly into space.
"He is a very considerate employer," she remarked mildly. "Take
care--you nearly hit that hen!"
"Oh, d--bother the hen!"
"And he never swears," added Desire with gentle dignity.
They drove for a mile or so without remark and then, Desire, who had
something to say, reopened the conversation without rancour.
"Don't be cross," she said. "As a matter of fact Benis does swear
sometimes. He is nervous, you know. I sometimes wonder if it is all
due to shell shock, or whether it is a result of his--er--other
experience."
For the second time that day the car skidded. And for the second
time, its unfortunate driver was called upon to give it his whole
attention.
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