Mrs. Heywood hesitated and then came across to her son and touched him on the arm.
“I think you had better come into the kitchen a moment, dear, and look after Mollie.”
“She hasn’t broken anything else, has she?” said Herbert anxiously.
“No, dear. But she has just cut her finger rather badly. She got in a temper with the sandwiches.”
Herbert raised his hands to heaven.
“Why do these things always happen when Clare gives an At Home? I shall abolish these evenings altogether. They will drive me mad.”
“Oh, they’re very pleasant when they once begin,” said Mrs. Heywood.
“I’m glad you think so, mother. I am damned if I do. I was only saying to Clare to-night——”
He stalked out of the room furiously.
Mrs. Heywood stood for a few moments staring at the carpet. Her lips moved and her worn old hands plucked at her skirt.