Chapter 14 Section 3

"You look just as you did when you were sixteen, Thomas Lloyd," said Mrs. Tricilian. "You still have the serious face of an owl, and you're still as quiet as ever. Why?" Thomas said vaguely: "I don't know. No gift for talking." "Not like Adrian. Adrian is very clever, and he speaks well." "Maybe that's why. I always give him the chance to talk." "Poor Adrian, so promising." Thomas nodded. Mrs. Tricilian changed the subject.She is calling for Thomas.She usually likes to see visitors one at a time.That way she doesn't get tired and can concentrate.

"You've been here for a solid twenty-four hours," she said, "what do you think of our 'situation'?" "The situation?" "Don't play dumb. You did it on purpose. You know what I said What does that mean, a triangle relationship right under my roof." Thomas said cautiously: "Looks like there's some friction." Mrs. Trixilian laughed a little wickedly. "I'll tell you the truth, Thomas, I'm kind of enjoying myself. It didn't happen to me - in fact I tried to prevent it. Neville was stubborn, he insisted on keeping these two together - now He is reaping the consequences!"

Thomas Lloyd moved. "It looks fantastic," he said. "Tell me," Mrs. Trixilian continued. "I didn't expect Shi Chunji to be this kind of person." "It's funny you say that because that's exactly how I felt. It just didn't fit Neville's personality. Neville, like most men, usually tries to avoid any situation that might cause embarrassment or unpleasantness. I suspect it wasn't his idea—but if it wasn't, I don't know whose idea it might be." She paused for a moment, and then said in a slightly raised voice, "It couldn't be Audrey, could it?"

Thomas said quickly, "No, it won't be Audrey." "And I hardly believe it was that unfortunate young woman Kay's idea. Unless she's an amazing actress. You know, I've almost felt sorry for her lately." "You don't like her very much, do you?" "Not much. In my opinion, she's an empty-headed, unmannered person, but like I said, I'm really starting to feel sorry for her. She's like a big mosquito in the light, blind. She's helpless, bad-tempered, bad-mannered, childishly rude--everything works the worst in a man like Neville."

Thomas calmed him down and said: "I think it's Audrey who's in trouble." Mrs. Tricilian shot him a sharp look. "You've always loved Audrey, haven't you, Tomato?" His answer was rather calm. "I think so." "Since when you were young?" He nodded. "And then Neville came along and took her away in front of you?" He moved restlessly. "Oh, this—I always knew I had no chance." "Defeatist," said Mrs. Tricilian. "I've always been a dull dog." "Doberman Pinscher!" "Beautiful Thomas!—that's how Audrey feels about me."

"Faithful Thomas," Tricilian said, "is that your nickname?" These words brought back memories of his childhood, and he smiled slightly. "Strange! I haven't heard me called that in years." "It may be very good for you now," said Mrs. Tricilian. She met his gaze subtly. "Faithfulness," she said, "is a quality that anyone who has been through what Audrey has been through may appreciate. A life of dog-like devotion sometimes pays off, Thomas." Thomas Lloyd bowed his head and fingered his pipe. "This," said he, "is what I hope for when I come home."