‘What does it mean?’ asked Maude.
‘We shall find out, no doubt, as we proceed,’ said Mrs. Hunt Mortimer. ‘We shall take it line by line and draw the full meaning from it. The first line is—
‘Will sprawl now that the heat of day is best—’
‘Who will?’ asked Mrs. Beecher.
‘I don’t know. That’s what it says.’
‘The next line will explain, no doubt.’
‘Flat on his—’
‘Dear me, I had no idea that Browning was like this!’
‘Do read it, dear.’
‘I couldn’t possibly think of doing so. With your permission we will pass on to the next paragraph.’