I played the grandfatherly role up to the hilt, while consenting to be led around the sights of that deplorable city. I allowed myself to be dragged to the opera on one of the evenings, and the clothes I saw then will remain with me for the rest of my life. I have to admit though—disgraceful as it may sound—that one part of me, determindedly kept down, was itching to return home and take up the case again. Perhaps this would not have been so if there had been any prospect of Reggie and his family coming to live in Britain, and my having a real relationship with my misnamed grandson. But when I brought the matter up Reggie just laughed. The only slight consolation was that there is a prospect of his moving to his company’s offices in San Francisco. I have been to San Francisco and know it would provide a better atmosphere for little Howard to grow up in. But either way it seems that my acquaintanceship with him is going to be spasmodic. So I tried to make the most of those few days, and I have to admit to having had a good time.
