"Well, there's nothing to be excited about, then," said Janet.
Mrs. Hewson laid a cup and saucer with such gentleness upon a pile of plates that the absence of noise was oppressive.
"I'm not excited," she said with crimson cheeks.
"Sorry," said Janet, laconically; "thought you were. If there's a thing more hateful than another, I think it's the vexation of a person who can't satisfy their curiosity about some other body's business. Don't you think so, Mrs. Hewson?"
"I'm sure I don't know. Those abstruse matters don't worry me."
"No? Well, that is so, and it's about the commonest weakness of humanity. If I thought you worried about our affairs—of course, I know you don't, you're most reasonable—I wouldn't stay here another minute."
The colour in Mrs. Hewson's cheeks went from red to white.
"But you said I was curious," she said in a reserved voice.
"Oh yes, that was only fun! Hadn't you better get a key, Sally, if you're going to be late. Can you spare Miss Bishop a key, Mrs. Hewson?"
"Certainly; of course; I'll go and get it."