It lets the mind down gently, and paves the way
for slumber. I have often noticed that the most terrific philosophical
agonies can be allayed by three cups of Mrs. Mifflin's cocoa. A man
can safely read Schopenhauer all evening if he has a tablespoonful of
cocoa and a tin of condensed milk available. Of course it should be
made with condensed milk, which is the only way."

"I had no idea anything could be so good," said Titania. "Of course,
Daddy makes condensed milk in one of his factories, but I never dreamed
of trying it. I thought it was only used by explorers, people at the
North Pole, you know."

"How stupid of me!" exclaimed Roger. "I quite forgot to tell you!
Your father called up just after you had gone out this evening, and
wanted to know how you were getting on."

"Oh, dear," said Titania. "He must have been delighted to hear I was
at the movies, on the second day of my first job! He probably said it
was just like me."

"I explained that I had insisted on your going with Mrs. Mifflin,
because I felt she needed the change."

"I do hope," said Titania, "you won't let Daddy poison your mind about
me. He thinks I'm dreadfully frivolous, just because I LOOK frivolous.
But I'm so keen to make good in this job. I've been practicing doing
up parcels all afternoon, so as to learn how to tie the string nicely
and not cut it until after the knot's tied. I found that when you cut
it beforehand either you get it too short and it won't go round, or
else too long and you waste some. Also I've learned how to make
wrapping paper cuffs to keep my sleeves clean."

"Well, I haven't finished yet," continued Roger. "Your father wants us
all to spend to-morrow out at your home. He wants to show us some
books he has just bought, and besides he thinks maybe you're feeling
homesick."

"What, with all these lovely books to read? Nonsense! I don't want to
go home for six months!"

"He wouldn't take No for an answer. He's going to send Edwards round
with the car the first thing to-morrow morning."

"What fun!" said Helen. "It'll be delightful."

"Goodness," said Titania. "Imagine leaving this adorable bookshop to
spend Sunday in Larchmont. Well, I'll be able to get that georgette
blouse I forgot."

"What time will the car be here?" asked Helen.

"Mr. Chapman said about nine o'clock. He begs us to get out there as
early as possible, as he wants to spend the day showing us his books."

As they sat ro