“You look unhappy, Mrs. Gomme.”

The old lady sighed:

“I am feeling a little lonely, Noll.”

“Isn’t Netherby in?” he asked.

Her mouth shut firmly:

“No,” she said.

“Gone out?”

“Gone out,” she answered grimly.

“Do you know where?”

“No,” she said. “He has gone to meet some fool of a girl.”