“I am so sorry you have to go out,” said the old lady.
“I shan’t be more than a few minutes,” said Clare. “But I must go. Besides, after this I am going to give up some of my visiting work.”
“Give it up, dear?”
“Yes. One must be moderate even in district visiting.”
She went into the bedroom, but left the door open so that she could hear her mother.
“Clare!” said the old lady.
“Yes, mother.”
“What is that surprise you were going to give us?”
“Surprise, mother?”
“Yes,” said Mrs. Heywood. “The good news?”