‘Why a clown?’ inquired Mr Campion.
‘Because clowns are children without innocence.’ Minnie spoke with casual authority. ‘That’s why they’re so awful, truly awful, I mean, and why only children and people in childish mood think they’re funny. I found him rather refreshing. There’s nothing there to clear away first, is there? You see the worst at once. He came to see if the party was going to be good enough for him to bring someone who might be useful to him to it. If young Rupert had had the horrid sophistication to want to do such a thing, he couldn’t have set about it more simply.’
‘He’ll then enter it on his own expense account, no doubt,’ said Amanda.
‘Oh no, surely not!’ Minnie was horrified. ‘That would be dishonest.’
‘My dear Minnie, whatever makes you think he isn’t?’ Amanda wa
