With her disappearance, shadow fell again upon us. “If there were only an hotel in this beastly neighbourhood,” said my father.
“You must entertain them by yourself, Luke,” said my mother; “and I must wait—that's all.”
“Don't be absurd, Maggie,” cried my father, getting angry. “Can't cook bring it in?”
“No one can cook a dinner and serve it, too,” answered my mother, impatiently. “Besides, she's not presentable.”
“What about Fan?” whispered my father.
My mother merely looked. It was sufficient.
“Paul?” suggested my father.
“Thank you,” retorted my mother. “I don't choose to have my son turned into a footman, if you do.”
“Well, hadn't you better go and dress?” was my father's next remark.
“It won't take me long to put on an apron,” was my mother's reply.