premely sophisticated people to perceive the beauty of the simple life. No plebeian gumdigger sees the picturesqueness of a nikau whare. It’s the man who comes from marble halls who does that. I can write inspired articles about the bush, but the man born in it can’t. It’s really because you had your grandparents that you love this. So don’t despise that background.”
He had come alive while he talked and his voice had deepened a little.
“I don’t despise the best of it. But I do despise its assumptions,” she retorted with spirit.
“My dear Miss Freedom, every class has its assumptions. Every race, clique, caste and set has had them all down the ages.”
“Well, I dislike all assumptions then.”
“What about your own?” His eyes flashed an amused challenge at her.
“Mine!” She glared at him. “Oh dear, have I any? That’s one of the diseases I have been determined not to have.”
“You have some about freedom, I think.”
“Oh, of course you’d say that,” she retorted. “But I know I’m only free comparatively.”
He raised his eyebrows at her. “I gather you did not breathe easily in the Remuera set. May I ask if you find it less difficult in Dargaville?”
“I’m having nothing to do with Dargaville. I’m just living here for the work.”
“H’m! You really mean to work, don’t you?” He looked hard at her.
“Of course. Why not?”
He looked away from her without answering. It seemed to him that He was getting fresh impressions of her every hour.
