“Who’s there?” said Diana.
“Side door,” whispered Gordon frantically.
Heloise shook her head, hesitated, and then stole silently behind the curtain into the recess. It was her final compromise.
“Who is there? Who locked the door?”
Diana’s voice was urgent. Gordon straightened his coat, smoothed his hair, unlocked the door and threw it wide open.
“It’s all right, dear.” He was grinning inanely like a cat. “Ha ha—it’s only Gordon—Gord, as you would say! I’m just coming out ... here I am back again ... like a bad penny.”
In Diana’s eyes was a glitter which he did not like, and as she advanced he backed instantly before her.
“Only old Gordon—ha ha!” he said feebly.
“Very funny. I’ll laugh to-morrow,” said Diana.
The vulgarity of the ancient music-hall gag did not even arouse him.