Mrs. Hardman entered the room.
"I hope I don't intrude upon you, sir, but I was so very anxious to know if the tea was just as you like it, sir?"
"Oh, yes—yes. I am going out a little way, my good madam. Only a little way."
"Out, sir?"
"Yes, and why not?—why not? Oh, dear me! How bad my cough is to be sure, to-night. Eugh!—eugh!"
"Goodness gracious! my dear sir, you will not think of venturing out to-night? Oh, sir!"
"Why not, madam?"
"The wind, sir—the rain, sir—and the wind and the rain together, sir. Oh, dear! It isn't a night to turn out a dog in, not that I like dogs, but I beg, sir, you won't think of it. Only listen, sir. How it does blow, to be sure!"
"Madam!" said Todd, putting on a solemn look, "I must go. It is my duty to go."
"Your duty, sir?"