"When will you come, Miss McAlister? It is so long since you have—"
"I have not much time for gadding about, thank you."
"Mind," Mrs. Barclay turned back to the others, "you are all to come!"
Clear and distinct spoke Sheila Pat.
"'Tis engaged I'll be, Mrs. Barclay."
"What do you mean, Sheila?" demanded Miss Kezia, frowning mightily.
"I shall be helping Sarah, thank you."
"What maggot have you got into your head now?"
"'Tisn't a maggot at all," calmly. "I wish to do it. Sarah's a very good girl—for London, that is—and she has too much work entirely."
"Sheila, when I wish you to help in the menial work of the house, I will ask you to do so. Tell Mrs. Barclay at once that you will be very glad to accept her kind invitation."