e that he got a word in and was eager to excuse the scandalous
absence of appreciation of Lord Dalston's art.

"Yes, those terrible places. And they do have such sensational films
in the East End. I'm sure they have a bad influence. What the people
really need is a drill hall with exercises and good music. I've been
putting the case to Lady Dalston."

"Rather," said Caruth, who was himself a staunch patron of the
pictorial drama. And then he added: "I think National Service would be
a good thing for the poor."

He had given Mrs Foskett her cue. She broke out into a triumph song in
whose turbulent flow the words 'physique' and 'efficiency' came
frequently rolling. She was careful to say that she was not a
militantist and hated the thought of war, but she didn't see any harm
in teaching people how to shoot one another if need be. "War's so
educational," she ended. "Brings out the strength of the nation."

And then there floated from the other end of the table the throaty
voice of the Head as he told an antique Jowett story, which had been
picked up in his under-graduate days and always did good service when
the flame of conversation flickered.

Martin, sitting silently in the middle of the table, concentrated on
the supper. It was worth all the attention he gave it. He managed to
consume a plate of soup, some fried sole, two sausages and bacon, one
helping of trifle and one of fruit salad, and as much dessert and
chocolate as came his way. The Fosketts certainly understood the art
of feeding.

Afterwards there was a feeble attempt made to play some games, but not
even Mrs Foskett could overcome the self-consciousness of her guests.
Interest waned and the Head's jokes became worse and worse. They were
all relieved when the time came for departure.

As they walked back Caruth, who was secretly pleased with his
conversational display, said loftily: "Thank the Lord that's over."

Martin answered: "I should think so. Ghastly show." In reality he was
thinking, 'Ripping grub.' He was not a particularly greedy person, but
Elfrey air is keen and any growing boy can appreciate a solid meal
about half-past six. Martin was quite prepared, for his part, to
change his clothes and undergo the ordeal of any company, even Mrs
Foskett's, for the sake of a meal which included sausages and trifle.

III

Elfrey was one of the numerous public schools brought into existence by
the sudden growth of the middle c