“Of course Maggie is at the top of the house!” she muttered sarcastically.
She unchained, unbolted, and unlocked the side-door.
“At last!” It was Aunt Harriet’s voice, exacerbated. “What! You, sister? You’re soon up. What a blessing!”
The two majestic and imposing creatures met on the mat, craning forward so that their lips might meet above their terrific bosoms.
“What’s the matter?” Mrs. Baines asked, fearfully.
“Well, I do declare!” said Mrs. Maddack. “And I’ve driven specially over to ask you!”
“Where’s Sophia?” demanded Mrs. Baines.
“You don’t mean to say she’s not come, sister?” Mrs. Maddack sank down on to the sofa.
“Come?” Mrs. Baines repeated. “Of course she’s not come! What do you mean, sister?”
“The very moment she got Constance’s letter yesterday, saying you were ill in bed and she’d better come over to help in the shop, she started. I got Bratt’s dog-cart for her.”