There was a pause. The Countess was so plainly bored by her company that conversation became difficult.
"It's funny," said Lady Coote, breaking the silence, "that Mrs. Macatta's children should have mumps. At least, I don't mean exactly funny—"
"What," said the Countess, "are mumps?"
Bundle and Lady Coote started simultaneously to explain. Finally, between them, they managed it.
"I suppose Hungarian children have it?" asked Lady Coote.
"Eh?" said the Countess.
"Hungarian children. They suffer from it?"
"I do not know," said the Countess. "How should I?"
Lady Coote looked at her in some surprise.
"But I understood that you worked—"