She turned, and saw that his face no longer wore the austere expression which had made her miserable last night, and even during the meal this morning.
'Are we friends ?' he said, with the attempt at playfulness which always made him look particularly awkward.
'Of course we are,' Monica answered, smiling, but not regarding him.
'Didn't he behave gruffly last night to his little girl ?' 'Just a little.' 'And what can the old bear do to show that he's sorry ?' 'Never be gruff again.' 'The old bear is sometimes an old goose as well, and torments himself in the silliest way.

Tell him so, if ever he begins to behave badly.
Isn't it account-book morning ?' 'Yes.

I'll come to you at eleven.' 'And if we have a nice, quiet, comfortable week, I'll take you to the Crystal Palace concert next Saturday.' Monica nodded cheerfully, and went off to look after her housekeeping.
The week was in all respects what Widdowson desired.

Not a soul came to the house; Monica went to see no one.

Save on two days, it rained, sleeted, drizzled, fogged; on those two afternoons they had an hour's walk.