"I wish you would not argue, Grossman. Miss Whitburn and Mrs. Faber are quite equal to making tea if I choose to ask them;" but then the door opened, and Sir Evas and the lawyer entered and stopped further bickering between Lady Dove and her companion.
"Oh, Toney," whispered Sir Evas, "it's tartaric acid, I see; that woman's got a devil of a temper, and your Aunt Dove is really learning patience."
CHAPTER III.
BEFORE THE FRAY.
"Oh!" exclaimed Mrs. Faber later on, when Toney threw open her old sitting-room door where the poor companion had had such miserable hours. It was as comfortable as modern comfort bought with modern money could make it. Then the little woman fairly sat down and cried.
"Gracious stars! I meant to make you laugh, Crumpet! Oh, gee! you see how hard it is to do right!"
Mrs. Faber quickly dried her tears and smiled.
"I can't help thinking of all my happiness now and comparing it with the past, and it's all owing to you, Toney. Do you remember——"
"Of course I do. What mostest fun we had when I dressed in your grandmother's garments, and then when your dear Henry came!"
"When I compare my past and my present I feel how ungrateful I am!"