“Have you thanked Miss Lessing for a pleasant evening?” asked Mr. Singleton, turning to Mr. Halliday.
He laughed and put his arm round her. “Poor little woman,” he said. “You’re looking so tired. It was jolly at the end.” He kissed her.
He had passed through the swing doors; and they were standing on the pavement waiting for Joan’s bus.
“Why did we all like him?” asked Joan. “Even Miss Lavery. There’s nothing extraordinary about him.”
“Oh yes there is,” said Madge. “Love has lent him gilded armour. From his helmet waves her crest,” she quoted. “Most men look fine in that costume. Pity they can’t always wear it.”
The conductor seemed impatient. Joan sprang upon the step and waved her hand.
CHAPTER VII
Joan was making herself a cup of tea when there came a tap at the door. It was Mrs. Phillips.
“I heard you come in,” she said. “You’re not busy, are you?”
“No,” answered Joan. “I hope you’re not. I’m generally in about this time; and it’s always nice to gossip over a dish of tea.”