Omphale colored faintly, but Hercules gave a cool nod to the newcomer, and stitched on with characteristic zeal and strict attention to the matter in hand.
At this Bazalgette uttered a sort of chuckle, at which Mrs. Bazalgette turned red. David stitched on for the bare life.
“I came to offer to invite you to my study, but—”
“I can't come just now,” said David, bluntly; “I am doing a lady's work for her.”
“So I see,” retorted Bazalgette, dryly.
“We all dine with the Hunts but you and Mr. Dodd,” said Mrs. Bazalgette, “so you will be en tete-a-tete all the evening.”
“All the better for us both.” And with this ingratiating remark Mr. Bazalgette retired whistling.
Mrs. Bazalgette heaved a gentle sigh: “Pity me, my friend,” said she, softly.
“What is the matter?” inquired David, rather bluntly.
“Mr. Bazalgette is so harsh to me—ah!—to me, who longs so for kindness and gentleness that I feel I could give my very soul in exchange for them.”