Dora said nothing.
"Because I mentioned him!"
"What do you mean, Miss Bird?" demanded Dora, with cheeks afire.
Before Miss Bird could reply, however, the door opened and Mr Cleave appeared.
"I hope--er--I hope I am not interrupting you," said the newcomer, with a slight cough; "that is to say, you may be discussing some matter of dress--ahem!--trust I am not de trop?"
"That's exactly what you are!" roared Miss Bird.
"Oh--er--ahem!--in that case I will retire----"
"If you please!" replied Miss Bird, sternly.
"Oh, Mr Cleave, of course you may come in!" cried Dora, rising to her feet. "In fact, I was just going out----"
"That's a fib!" said Miss Bird.