“Humph! Well, if you were a member of her household you would have that privilege often. I doubt if her husband considers it such a privilege.”
“Her husband? Oh, yes! I met him. He is a character, too, isn't he?”
“Yes; a weak one.”
She put down her coffee cup and sighed, contentedly.
“I think I never tasted anything so good as this lunch,” she observed. “And I'm quite sure I never ate so much at one sitting. I am going to help you clear away, but please don't ask me to do it just now. Have you finished? You may smoke, if you like.”
I had been longing for a smoke and now I filled my pipe and lighted it.
“Now we can talk, can't we?” she said. “I want you to tell me about your mother. How is she?”
“Just as she was when you saw her,” I answered. “Mother is always the same.”
“She is a dear. I had heard so many nice things about her and I was not disappointed. I intended to make only a short call and I stayed and stayed. I hope I did not tire her.”
“Not at all. Mother enjoyed your call exceedingly.”