"The kindest thing to think, Mr. Romford," said Ethel, "is that you hadn't the least idea what you were doing."
"There's been a mis——"
"My father and my poor little brother have been very badly injured. These things often prove fatal."
"There's been a mis——"
"My mother is terribly upset by it. You must excuse me if——"
"I can explain, Miss Brown——"
"I dare say you can. You must excuse me. Good-bye."
She shut the door and returned to the morning-room.
"Go and wash your hands, William," said Mrs. Brown.
William was watching Mr. Romford's crestfallen departure. His indignation returned.