Mrs. Peters, justly annoyed at being thus spoken to by a menial, changed her line of attack.
"So this is the explanation!" she said, wishing she had a lorgnette for Mizzi's benefit. She surveyed her with a severity that ought to have appalled. The survey gave her no comfort, for Mizzi was dressed to perfection. "So this is the young woman!"
"A deplorable exhibition," said Mrs. Hedderwick dispassionately. "The lower classes—"
The young woman gave a most impertinent laugh, and said, "Come, Henry! We shall miss the train!"
They left The Happy Heart; and the landlord, who had recovered breath, but not a fresh inspiration, during the interlude, took up the tale again.
Outside, the odd-job man, whose face was flushed, swore. "I wish they were men!" he said vindictively: "if they were, I'd teach 'em a lesson in manners. By jove! I'd like to get even with——"
"Do not worry," said Mizzi soothingly. "After all, I am a young woman. Mesdames would give their ears to be the same."
Henry stopped dead, an idea having come upon him. With a growing light in his eye he surveyed the motor-car and the chauffeur, who in turn surveyed Mizzi with a gathering admiration. He even threw away the cigarette.
"I say," said Henry, "this isn't a private car?"
"No," said the chauffeur, glad of a chance further to admire this enchanting damsel. "General Motor-Car Company. Druv the ole gal down from London s'morning. Made me crawl, too."