“Tea,” said a rounded voice near the keyhole.
“Eve!” shouted Miriam.
The door opened slightly. “I know,” said the voice.
“Come in, Eve,” commanded Miriam, trying to swing the door wide.
“I know,” said the voice quivering with the effort of holding the door. “I know all about the new Misses Perne and the new man—Max Sonnenheim—Max.”
“This way out,” called Harriett from the conservatory.
“Eve,” pleaded Miriam, tugging at the door, “let me get at you. Don’t be an idiot.”
A gurgle of amusement made her loosen her hold.
“I’m not trying, you beast. Take your iron wrists away.”
A small white hand waggled fingers through the aperture.