"You speak for all," he said.
"I think so. Lily will not go without me, and of course Alfred must see me home."
"Why won't you accept Mr. Sheldrake's invitation, Liz?" asked Alfred uneasily.
"Daddy is waiting up for me, and we have a long way to go. And besides, Lily is unwell."
For one instant, Mr. Sheldrake hesitated; but only for an instant.
"Well, it's of no use trying to persuade you. A wilful woman will have her way. How do you propose we shall go home?" he asked of Lizzie in a tone of sarcastic politeness. "Your way is different from ours."
Lizzie decided this without hesitation. They would all go in one cab, and drop Lily at the door of her grandfather's house in Soho, and then Alfred should see Lizzie home. Mr. Sheldrake made no demur to her suggestion, and the party drove from the theatre. But he stopped the cab at the corner of the little street in Soho, and said that the driver need not turn, as he could see Lily the few yards she had to go. He jumped out of the cab, and said to Alfred,
"By-the-bye, Alf, I want to say a word or two to you. The girls will excuse us for a moment."
Alfred and he walked half-a-dozen steps from the cab, and then he turned upon Alfred, and asked what was the meaning of Lizzie's behaviour.
"I don't know," replied Alfred; "I never saw her in such a humour before. I hope you don't think I am to blame for what has occurred."