Clare sank down with her face in her hands. And Gerald stole away from the window just as Mollie showed in Madge Vernon.
“It’s our At Home night,” said Mollie, as she came in, “and they’ll be here presently.”
“All right, Mollie,” said Miss Vernon, smiling. “I shan’t stay more than a minute. I know I have come at an awkward time.”
“She would come in, ma’am,” said Mollie, as though she were not strong enough to thwart such a determined visitor.
As soon as the girl had gone Madge Vernon came across to Clare, very cheerfully and rather excitedly.
“Clare, are you coming?”
“Coming where?” asked Clare, trying to hide her agitation.
“To the demonstration,” said Madge Vernon. “You know I told you all about it! It begins at eight. It will be immense fun, and after your window-smashing exploit you are one of us. Good Heavens, I think you have beaten us all. None of us have ever thought of breaking our own windows.”
“It’s my At Home night,” said Clare.
“Oh, bother the At Home. Can’t your husband look after his friends for once? I wanted you to join in this adventure. It would be your enrolment in the ranks, and it will do you a lot of good, in your present state of health.”