and so he got his own, finally. It was specially designed for spanking the kids, and as the Colonel was a bachelor it was no good to him. So they both lived happy ever after."
Dawson was on her way to the door. Before making her exit, she turned her crimson face toward Madame Claire.
"I do wish, m'lady," she said, "that you'd tell Mr. Noel there's some things that ought to be sacred. And I'll say this, Mr. Noel. The arm you want is one that'll pinch you when you tell fibs."
"Good old Dawes," commented Noel between mouthfuls. "She generally manages to get her own back."
Judy and Noel were much interested at this time in Eric's matrimonial affairs. Noel especially was convinced that he and Louise were on the verge of a smash-up.
"Something's got to happen," he said. "The tension in that house is too awful. Dining there is like sitting over a live bomb and counting the seconds."
"I can't think how Eric stands it," said Judy.
Madame Claire shook her head.
"There won't be an explosion. Nothing so dramatic. What I dread most isn't a smash-up,
