'We are just outside father's study,' he heard her say. 'We must be as quiet as mice.'
'As what?' said Clarence.
'Mice.'
'Oh, rather,' said Clarence, and immediately bumped into what appeared to be a pedestal of some sort.
These pedestals usually have vases on top of them, and it was revealed to Clarence a moment later that this one was no exception. There was a noise like ten simultaneous dinner-services coming apart in the hands of ten simultaneous parlour-maids; and then the door was flung open, the landing became flooded with light, and the Mayor of Tooting East stood before them. He was carrying a revolver and his face was dark with menace.
'Ha!' said the Mayor.
But Clarence was paying no attention to him. He was staring open-mouthed at the girl. She had shrunk back against the wall, and the light fell full upon her.
'You!' cried Clarence.
'This—' began the Mayor.
'You! At last!'