'Yes, an officious pert piece of goods.'
'Like her sister.'
'Now,' said Mrs. Sidebottom, 'what are you going to do? In this house you cannot well be accommodated. There are rooms—but everyone's head is turned, servants and all. No toast sent up at breakfast. Your best way will be to go to Lambert's quarters in my house. Here you would be amidst a party of tedious women——'
'I want to be as far as possible from those young ladies,' said Philip. 'One has been in the train with me for many hours, and has worried me beyond endurance.'
'Certainly. Go with Lambert. In my house you will be in Liberty Hall, where you can smoke——'
'I never smoke.'
'And drink whisky and water.'
'I take nothing at night.'
'And talk over social scandals.'
'In which I have not the smallest interest.'