"No. It never came out. Still, as I say, we all thought it best not to conceal anything. Albert strongly advised Edwin not to attempt any such thing." ("What awful rot!" thought Edwin.) "So we just mentioned it quietly like to a few friends. After all, poor Hilda was perfectly innocent. Of course she felt her position keenly when she came to live here after the wedding." ("Did she indeed!" thought Edwin.) "Edwin would have the wedding in London. We did so feel for her." ("Did you indeed!" thought Edwin.) "She wouldn't have an At Home. I knew it was a mistake not to. We all knew. But no, she would not. Folks began to talk. They thought it strange she didn't have an At Home like other folks. Many young married women have two At Homes nowadays. So in the end she was persuaded. She fixed it for August because she thought so many people would be away at the seaside. But they aren't--at least not so many as you'd think. Albert says it's owing to the General Election upset. And she wouldn't have it in the afternoon like other folks. Mrs. Edwin isn't like other folks, and you can't alter her."
"What's the matter with the evening for an At Home, anyhow?" asked Benbow the breezy and consciously broad-minded.
"Oh, of course, I quite agree. I like it. But folks are so funny."
After a momentary pause, Mr. Peartree said uncertainly:
"And there's a little boy?"
Said Clara:
"Yes, the one you've seen."
Said Auntie Hamps:
"Poor little thing! I do feel so sorry for him--when he grows up--"
"You needn't, Auntie," said Maggie curtly, expressing her attitude to George in that mild curtness.