“Is it?” she said testily. “Well, we shall see. The cab has been waiting for you for two hours.”
“Most patient cabman!” said the Major—“and who will pay the cabman, madam?”
“We intend to accompany you and your baggage to that cab now,” said the young woman.
“That you won’t,” said the Major—“for I haven’t a stitch on me; and here I stay in bed until your extremely tasteless letter of a week ago is formally withdrawn.... Good-night, ladies. Allow me to open the door for you——”
He made as though to jump out of bed.
The two women hurriedly left the room.
They went to the drawing-room, knocked and entered, sat down on chairs and wept bitterly.
The stout lady of that realm went and held their hands; soothed them; and heard their story out.
“Wha—what are we to do, madam?” said they.
The stout lady laughed until the tears came.