“You haven’t even taken the trouble to buy some flowers,” said Herbert.
“I left that to Clare,” said the old lady.
“Haven’t you done so, Clare?”
“No,” said Clare. “I can’t bear flowers in this room. They droop so quickly.”
Herbert was quite angry.
“I insist upon having some flowers. The place looks like a barn without them. What will our visitors say?”
“Stupid things, as usual,” said Clare quietly.
“I must go out and get some myself, I suppose,” said Herbert, with the air of a martyr.
“Can’t you send Mollie, dear?” asked Mrs. Heywood.
“Mollie is cutting sandwiches. The girl is overwhelmed with work. And—Oh, my stars!”