Janet pulled him towards the door and led him into the kitchen.
"Well, I never!" exclaimed Mrs. Hoffman.
"There is no time for any explanation," said Ulick. "Mr. ——"
"Mr. Warren is coming," put in Janet, "and Mr. Hazelwell"—it was the name that came first to her mind—"does not wish to meet him; they are not friends."
The door bell rang.
"Keep him here until Mr. Warren is gone," said Janet. "I will attend to the door."
Mrs. Hoffman was shocked. Why was it necessary for Mr. Hazelwell's visit to be concealed from Mr. Warren? She would not allow these goings on in her house. One thing, however, there was no getting over, and that was there was a gentleman in her kitchen, and she had asked him to have some tea. He was a good-looking gentleman into the bargain, and Mrs. Hoffman flattered herself there were considerable remains of her early beauty left.
"I am sorry this has occurred," said Ulick; "but I really do not wish to meet Mr. Warren."
"Didn't you know it was Mrs. Warren who lived here?" she asked.
"No, I saw her in Feltham. She was a playmate of mine years ago. I had no idea she was married."