"I'm so sorry," said she, "but I'm driving home with Cuthbert."
"It's not true," said Cuthbert. "She's doing nothing of the kind."
"Then I shall get in here," said Adelaide Maud calmly, and proceeded to step in.
Several people tried to stop her.
"I want to drive home with mummy," said Jean.
"And I mean to take Elma," said Mabel.
Mrs. Leighton leant back in the carriage.
"I should like to mention," she said, "that this is not a royal procession, and that we only take about two and a half minutes to get home in any case. What does it matter which carriage we go in?"
"Every second is of value," said Jean.
"Well, here you are, Jean, get in beside your mother," said Adelaide Maud. "And, Elma and Mabel, you come with me. And, Mr. Leighton, you look after Miss Grace. What could be more admirable?"