"We could have got out of it perfectly. But now, listen to this:
"Dear Mr. Meadows,—I hope your wife will excuse my writing to you instead of to her, as you and I are already acquainted. Can I induce you both to come to Crosby Ledgers for a week-end, on July 16? We hope to have a pleasant party, a diplomat or two, the Home Secretary, and General Hichen—perhaps some others. You would, I am sure, admire our hill country, and I should like to show you some of the precious autographs we have inherited.
"Yours sincerely,
"RACHEL DUNSTABLE.
"If your wife brings a maid, perhaps she will kindly let me know."
Doris laughed, and the amused scorn of her laugh annoyed her husband. However, at that moment their small house-parlourmaid entered with the tea-tray, and Doris rose to make a place for it. The parlourmaid put it down with much unnecessary noise, and Doris, looking at her in alarm, saw that her expression was sulky and her eyes red. When the girl had departed, Mrs. Meadows said with resignation—
"There! that one will give me notice to-morrow!"
"Well, I'm sure you could easily get a better!" said her husband sharply.
Doris shook her head.
"The fourth in six months!" she said, sighing. "And she really is a good girl."
"I suppose, as usual, she complains of me!" The voice was that of an injured man.