"Yes, ma'am."
"Why, what's the matter now, Elaine; do you expect another gentleman?"
"Go and see." "No, no; if he comes I'll see him soon enough, and the soup smells too tempting."
Thomas returned and waited, when Mrs. Gower said, nervously, "Are both doors securely fastened, Thomas?"
"They are, ma'am."
"Queer time for a visitor to call, just at dinner hour," said Cobbe, in aggrieved tones.
This was more than Thomas could stand, who had more than once confided to the kitchen his opinion of Mr. Cobbe for doing likewise, so he said, respectfully:
"Beg pardon, sir; but it was that lady for you, sir."
"Hang it! you told her I wasn't here, I hope."
"No, sir; I said you was at dinner, and I couldn't disturb you, sir; so she said she would wait outside."