"Will says so, any way," she said, archly.
"Say to-morrow," he persisted.
"Will!" she cried, mischievously, "Mr. Cobbe's compliments, and desires to know when he will find you in your sanctum, he wishes to smoke the pipe of peace with you."
"Hang it," thought Cobbe, "she has no ambition beyond Will; give me the Australian women after all."
"Almost any evening, Cobbe, I am always good for a smoke; but my wife says I'd better retrench, the house of Smyth is increasing so rapidly; good-night."
"May I see you home, Mrs. St. Clair?" asked Mr. Cobbe, fervidly.
"It would be too sweet—but oh!" and her arm above the elbow is rubbed, for the boy Noah has pinched her severely, saying,
"I'll tell papa."
At this juncture Thomas appeared, saying, a coupé had arrived for Mrs. St. Clair and Master Noah.
"I must see you to-morrow, Mrs. Gower, after office hours," said Cobbe, adding, on meeting the sharp eye of Mrs. Dale, "I have something very particular to tell you."