"Madam! Only by inadvertence could a word escape my lips which would in any way cause annoyance to a lady."
When they reached Mulberry House a couple of flys were standing at the front door.
"I guess," observed the angular lady, "there's more of them come up than seven."
As Mr. Harland and his companions ascended the steps two gentlemen came rushing down them. They were the drivers of the flys. Unless circumstances belied them they had been whiling away the interval of waiting by listening at the drawing-room door. In the hall were the cook, housemaid, and the small girl who acted as general help. Their presence in that particular spot required explanation. Their countenances, when they perceived their master, showed that it did.
"What is the meaning of this?" inquired Mr. Harland. "Where's your mistress?"
"If you please, sir, she's in the drawing-room."
"Is she engaged?"
"There are----" The girl choked back a giggle. "There are some ladies with her."
"I guess," remarked the angular lady, "they're some of the other Mrs. Bindons."
Three distinct and undeniable titters came from the servants.