"Shall I go?" Herbert asked.
"No—I'll go," said Alice.
And she went—apron and all.
Herbert overheard the conversation.
"Oh!" Exclamation of feigned surprise from Mrs Bratt.
"Yes?" In tones of a politeness almost excessive.
"Is Mr Herbert meaning to come to our house to-night? That there bedroom's all ready."
"I don't think so," said Alice. "I don't think so."
"Well, miss—"
"I'm Mrs Herbert Roden," said Alice, primly.