"Of course not, my pet, but it was the engagement I was thinking of. Only one doesn't wish to do anything in haste. Mother has to think of Mavis too, you know."
"I don't see what Mavis has got to do with my marrying Stephen."
"Now, don't be silly, childie!" said Mrs. Dean, somewhat tartly. "Heaven knows it isn't easy to find an eligible husband for one daughter, let alone two! Your meeting Stephen at the Crewes' was a piece of very good luck not that I would want either of my chicks to marry without love, naturally - and young men who are heirs to fortunes don't crop up every day of the week by any means. We shall just have to wait."
"I don't believe Stephen ever would have proposed to me if you hadn't sort of made him," said Valerie discontentedly. "In fact, in a way I rather wish he hadn't."
"You know Mother doesn't like her girlies to talk in that vulgar way. And she doesn't like to see that sulky look, either. You must just trust her to do what's best, and be your own bright self, my pet."
"I don't see how anyone could possibly be bright in this house. It's a ghastly place. Paula says it's evil."
"Nonsense!" said Mrs. Dean. "Now, run along, and don't let Mother hear any more of that kind of rubbish!"
Valerie departed with something very like a flounce, but reappeared a minute later with whitened cheeks, and quickened breath. "Mummy!" she gasped. "The most frightful thing! Someone has arrived! Two of them! I saw them from the top of the stairs!"
"Good gracious, Val, why shouldn't people arrive? Who are they?"
"It's an Inspector from Scotland Yard! I heard him say so to Sturry! Oh, Mummy, can't we go home? Can't you get me out of this?"