partner—­she herself had been made the junior partner a year before—­was perpetually and mysteriously absent, year after year, engaged seemingly on work of her own abroad.  Her architect semi-husband moreover, who if not in the firm was doing an increasing share of its business, wanted to know more about Vivien Warren.  “Was she or was she not the daughter of the ‘notorious’ Mrs. Warren; because if so...”  He took of course a highly virtuous line.  Like so many other people he compounded for the sins he was inclined to by being severe towards the misdoings of others. His case—­he would say to Beryl when they were together at Chelsea—­was sui generis, quite exceptional, they were really in a way perfectly good people—­Tout savoir c’est tout pardonner, etc.; whereas the things that were said about Mrs. Warren!...  And though Vivien was nothing nearer sin than being her daughter, still if it were known or known more widely that she was the Warren in Fraser and Warren, why the wives of the wealthier clergy, for example, and a number of Quakeresses would withdraw their affairs from the firm’s management.  Whereas if only his little Berry could become the boss, he knew where to get “big money” to put behind the Firm’s dealings.  The idea was all right; an association for the special management on thoroughly honest lines of women’s affairs.  They’d better get rid of that hulking young clerk, Bertie Adams, and staff the entire concern with capable women.  He himself would always remain in the background, giving them ideas from time to time, and if any were taken up merely being paid his fees and commissions.

David Vavasour Williams, privately consulted by Norie, put forward no objection.  He disliked Beryl and was increasingly shy of his rather clandestine work on the fifth floor of the Midland Insurance Chambers; besides, if and when he were called to the Bar, he would have to cease all connection with Fraser and Warren.  The consent of Vivie was obtained through the Power of Attorney she had left behind.  A new deed of partnership was drawn up.  Honoria insisted that Vivien Warren must be bought out for Three Thousand pounds, which amount was put temporarily to the banking account of David Vavasour Williams; she herself received another Three Thousand and a small percentage of the future profits and a share in the direction of affairs of THE WOMEN’S CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION (Fraser and Claridge) so long as she left a capital of Five Thousand pounds at their disposal.

So in 1905 David with Three Thousand pounds purchased an annuity of L210 a year for Vivien Warren.  That investment would save Vivie from becoming at any time penniless and dependent, and consequently would subserve the same purpose for her cousin and agent, David V. Williams.