"When we see the trap," Miriam said, "I'll go round with a taper. And we'd better light the lamp in the kitchen passage or Uncle Alfred may trip over something when he hangs up his coat."
"There won't be anything for him to trip over," Helen said.
"How do you know? It's just the sort of accident that happens to families that want to make a good impression. We'd better do it. Where are the steps?"
"The lamp hasn't been trimmed for months, and we can't have a smell of oil. Leave it alone. The hall is so beautifully dim. Rupert must take his coat and hang it up for him."
"Very well," Miriam said resignedly; "but if Notya or John had suggested the lamp, you would have jumped at it."
"No, I should have fetched the steps."
"Oh, funny, funny! Now I'm going to dress."
"There are two hours."
"It will take me as long as that. What shall I wear? Black or red? It's important, Helen. Tell me."
"Black is safer."