I walked into the flat one day after making a stop at the bakery in order to restock our supply of scones. I found Mr. Chips pacing around the sitting room and making notes in a little green book. After I inquired into the nature of his peculiar actions he stated that he was planning to re-decorate the sitting room. When I said it might behoove him to inform me before he took any action he just stared blankly at me. He then went on about the room taking notes and muttering something about my lack of vision and my attachment to the past.

After noon he settled down and I offered to play a few rounds of rummy. He declined, but added that he was famished and that it would be positively delightful if I would pass him a scone. I, of course, obliged his wishes and he began to chatter on about all the people he had visited this morning and how all in all he had been very productive. When I asked as to why he was suddenly so interested in the field of interior decorating he scoffed and replied that was nonsense. He stated that he simply thought we needed to do some more entertaining of guests. When I observed that we never entertained people he told me that I had just proven his point.

We sat silently for a moment with just a table and a jar of scones between us. He chewed his last few bites while appearing to be deep in thought. He then suddenly snapped out of his trance and told me that he had no intentions of remaining a bachelor forever. He then went on to say that he had a jolly time co-habiting a flat with me, but he just felt his biological clock was ticking.

He watched me expectantly and seemed satisfied when I nodded and said I understood. He then asked for another scone because that heart-to-heart had just totally drained him. As I opened the jar I asked him if he had any prospective wives in mind. He replied by saying that he hadn't any at the moment, but that he would keep his eye on the Classified section. He was certain he would come across a bargain sooner or later. I just nodded and passed a scone down his way.