explanation would have little consequence. Taking the shortest route,
which was over the bed, Sean went for him.
Candy, who had in these first few seconds been too preoccupied pulling
the coverlets over herself to take any active part in proceedings, now
shrieked and lifted the silk eiderdown in such a way that it wrapped
around Sean's boots as he leaped over her, and became tangled in his
spurs. Sean fell with a crash that reverberated through the whole
building and startled the guests in the lobby below, and he lay for the
moment stunned his feet on the bed and his head and shoulders on the
floor.
out! Candy shouted at the subaltern, as Sean began to stir ominously.
Then she gathered up an armful of bedclothes and spread them over Sean,
winding him and smothering him.
Hurry up. For God's sake, hurry! she entreated as her friend hopped
with one leg in his breeches. He'll tear you to pieces. And she
pounced on top of the struggling, cursing mound of sheets and
blankets.
Don't worry about the boots, and the subaltern tucked them under one
arm, slung his tunic over his shoulders and placed his helmet on the
back of his head.
Thank you, ma'am, he said, and then with gallantry, I realy regret any
inconvenience I have caused you. Please.
my apologies to your husband. out, you fool, she pleaded, clinging
desperately to Sean as he heaved and swore. After he had left she
stood up and waited for Sean to emerge.
Where is he? I'll kill him. I'll murder the little bastard!
Sean threw off the bedclothes, scrambled to his feet and glared wildly
around him. But the first thing he saw was Candy, and Candy was
shaking with laughter. There was a lot of Candy to shake and most of
it was white and round and smooth, and even if the laughter was a
little hysterical it was still a very pleasing spectacle.
Why did you stop me? Sean demanded, but he was fast transferring his
interest from the subaltern to Candy's bosom.
He thought you were my husband, she gasped.
The little bastard, growled Sean.
He was sweet. And abruptly she stopped laughing. And who the hell are
you to come barging in here, anyway? Do you think you own the world
and everything in it? You belong to me. Like hell, I do!
Candy exploded. Now get out of here, you big lumbering ox. Put some
clothes on. Things were taking an unforeseen turn. Sean had expected
her to be guilty and contrite.
'Get out of here, ' she yelled, as her temper started to run.
Sean had never seen her like this and he only just managed to field the
large vase she hurled at his head. Frustrated in her desire to hear
breaking china, Candy grabbed another missile, an ornamental mirror,
which crashed with satisfying violence against the wall behind him. Her
boudoir was furnished in splendid Victorian taste and provided an
almost unlimited supply of ammunition. Despite Sean's nimble footwork,
he could not remain unscathed for ever and finally he was hit by a
