“How are you, Mrs. Hunt? I hope you don’t mind our taking possession like this. We wanted to get acquainted.”
“I could wish they were cleaner,” said Mrs. Hunt, laughing, as she shook hands. “I’ve seldom seen three grubbier people. Geoff, dear, couldn’t Eva have washed your face?”
“She said she hadn’t time,” said Geoffrey easily. “We tried to wash Michael, but he only got more streaky.”
“Oh, please don’t mind, Mrs. Hunt,” Norah pleaded. “They’ve been such darlings!”
“I’m afraid I don’t mind at all,” said Mrs. Hunt, sitting down thankfully. “I’ve been picturing my poor babies tired to death of not being out—and then to come home and find them in the seventh heaven——” She broke off, her lip quivering a little.
“You’re just as tired as you can be,” said Norah. “Now you’re going to rest, and Geoff will show me how to get tea.”
“Oh, I couldn’t let you into that awful little kitchen,” said Mrs. Hunt hastily. “And besides—I’m awfully sorry—I don’t believe the milkman has been yet.”
“I could go to the milk-shop round the corner with a jug,” said Geoffrey anxiously. “Do let’s, Mother.”
“Is there one?” Norah asked. “Now, Mrs. Hunt, do rest—make her put her feet up on the sofa, Dad. And Geoff and I will go for milk, and I’ll ask Eva to make tea. Can she?”
“Oh, of course she can” said Mrs. Hunt, ceasing to argue the point. “But she’s never fit to be seen.”