'But - but that's what it's all about, isn't it? This moonin' all over the house, kickin' things?'

'Not at all. I simply can't decide which of them to become engaged to.'

The Earl raised a hand to his brow in bewilderment. 'Look, forgive me if I'm dense, but doesn't one follow the other?'

'Usually. But not always. Not the first time. Every girl should have one broken engagement these days. All my friends have.'

'Now let me get this straight. You want to get engaged to one of these boys - Paul or . . .Hugh, is it? - solely in order to break it off again?'

'Well, not solely. It's conceivable I might marry him. But that's not the main object of the exercise.'

'Then I can't see what all the fuss is about. If you're not going to get hitched to him, what's it matter which one you choose?

'Daddy, surely you wouldn't want me to get engaged to just anybody? This is serious. They've both proposed and I can't keep them waiting much longer. Do advise me.'

'Certainly not! You'd immediately pick the other one and always hold it against me. No, you've got to choose for yourself. Who d'you like best?'

'Oh, that's easy. Paul.'

'Then what's the problem?'

'Just this: I always feel happy with Paul. Relaxed. We get on fine. We can talk about anything. We're jolly good pals.'

'But?'

'But perhaps I get on a bit too well with him. He's not really exciting.'

'In spite of careerin' all over the place climbing mountains, running for Britain in the Olympics and so on?'

'In spite of that. Because I'm really not a part of that side of his life at all.'

'But Hugh is excitin'?'

'Mm. He fascinates me. But he frightens me rather, too. I'm always sort of on the edge of my seat, wondering what he'll say or do next. And he's thoroughly beastly to me sometimes. But he does make me think - about the only person I know who does. But usually he also makes me unsettled, disturbed or downright angry, too.'

'Sounds thoroughly uncomfortable.