She entered, to see Miss Nippett half rising from a chair before the fire. She was startled by the great change which had taken place in the accompanist's appearance since she had last seen her. She looked many years older; her figure was quite bent; the familiar shawl was too ample for the narrow, stooping shoulders.
"Aren't you well?" asked Mavis, as she kissed her friend's cheek.
"Quite. Reely I am but for a slight cold. Mr Poulter, 'e's well too. Fancy you married!"
"Yes," said Mavis sadly.
But Miss Nippett took no notice of her dejection.
"I've never 'ad time to get married, there's so much to do at 'Poulter's.' You know! Still, there's no knowing."
Mavis, distressed as she was, could hardly restrain a smile.
"I've news too," went on Miss Nippett.
"Have you?" asked Mavis, who was burning to get to the reason of her call.
"Ain't you heard of it?"