As he spoke this word, which brought a flush again to Clare Heywood’s face, Mrs. Hey-wood, her mother-in-law, came in. She glanced from one to the other suspiciously.
Gerald Bradshaw was not in the least abashed by her stern face.
“How do you do, Mrs. Heywood? I was just going. I hope I have not disturbed you?”
Mrs. Heywood answered him in a “distant” manner:
“Not in the least.”
“I am glad,” he said. “I will let myself out. Don’t trouble.”
At that moment there was a noise in the hall, and Clare raised her head and listened.
“I think I hear another visitor,” she said.
“In that ease I had better wait a moment,” said Gerald. “The halls of these flats are not cut out for two people at a time. I will light another cigarette if I may.”
“I thought I heard a latchkey,” said Mrs. Heywood. “Surely it can’t he Herbert back so early?”