Louise glanced at the clock upon the mantelpiece.
"Mr. Strangewey," she replied. "I suppose he will be here in a minute or two."
Sophy dropped the housekeeping-book and jumped up.
"I'd better go, then."
"Of course not," Louise answered. "You must stay to lunch. Ring the bell and tell them to lay a place for you. Afterward, if you like, you may come in here and finish brooding over these wretched bills while Mr. Strangewey talks to me."
Sophy came suddenly across the room and sank on the floor at Louise's feet.
"What are you going to do about Mr. Strangewey, Louise?" she asked wistfully.
"What am I going to do about him?"
"He is in love with you," Sophy continued. "I am sure—I am almost sure of it."
Louise's laugh was unconvincing.