"Aunt! Is it really you? Whatever brings you in London?"
Miss Bettina neglected the question to survey the room again. She had surveyed the hall as she came in; she caught a glimpse of another room at the back: all fitted up fit for a duke and duchess.
"Where's Mark Cray?" she cried.
"Mark has been gone out ages ago, aunt. He is deep in business now. The operations have begun."
"Who took this house?" grimly asked Miss Bettina.
"I and Mark."
"And what did the furniture cost?"
"Oh, I don't know. I don't think Mark has had the bills in yet. Why, aunt?"
"Why!" returned the indignant lady, in a blaze of anger. "You and your husband are one of two things, Caroline; swindlers or idiots. If you think that strong language, I cannot help it."
"Aunt Bettina!" echoed the startled girl, "what are you saying?"