"You want to be able to tell Millie that you were turned out of the kitchen," she stormed. "I know you and your mean, deceitful ways. Well, stay there if you like it!" and she banged the door, and Bindle heard the key turn in the lock.
"There's one thing about Mrs. B.," he remarked, as he leaned against the wall, "she ain't dull."
When at length the expected knock came, it was Mrs. Bindle who darted out and opened the door to admit Millie Dixon, carrying in her arms the upper end of what looked like a cascade of white lace.
A sudden fit of shyness seized Bindle, and he retreated to the kitchen; whilst aunt and niece greeted one another in the passage.
"Where's Uncle Joe?" he heard Millie ask presently.
"I'm 'ere, Millikins," he called-out, "cookin' the veal for that there young prodigal."
A moment later Millie, flushed and happy, fluttered into the room, still holding the cascade of lace.
"Darling Uncle Joe," she cried, advancing towards him.
He took a step backwards, a look of awe in his eyes, which were fixed upon the top of the cascade.
"Aren't you going to kiss me, Uncle Joe?" she asked, holding up her face.