"Who are they, pray?" She was softening under her son's caress.
"Well, let me think. There's the distinguished Mr. Tatham, who attends to the transportation of the cities of Warehold and Barnegat; and the Right Honorable Mr. Tipple, and Mrs. and Miss Gossaway, renowned for their toilets—"
Mrs. Cavendish bit her lip. When her son was in one of these moods it was all she could do to keep her temper.
"And the wonderful Mrs. Malmsley, and—"
Mrs. Cavendish looked up. The name had an aristocratic sound, but it was unknown to her.
"Who is she?"
"Why, don't you know the wonderful Mrs. Malmsley?" inquired the doctor, with a quizzical smile.
"No, I never heard of her."
"Well, she's just moved into Warehold. Poor woman, she hasn't been out of bed for years! She's the wife of the new butcher, and—"
"The butcher's wife?"