Maud meditated deeply. “Everybody seems to have thought of everything, mamma, that’s the worst of it. You see, Mrs. Newt has that drawing class for orphan boys; then there’s Mrs. Badger’s fund for giving musical instruction to the children of soldiers and sailors, and the Parrys have dancing classes for them.”
“That’s just it. We ought to be doing something useful of that kind. It’s a public duty for people in our position.”
“But I think we are doing our share, mamma. What with your committee and Effie teaching those Belgian refugee children to play hockey and me at the canteen for ineligible shop assistants.”
“I know, my dear. Still, it would be so nice to have something here—just to bring people together, as it were, in a cosy way.”
Before any conclusion was reached tea was brought, and just then Joan came in from a concert at the Mandolin Hall, bringing a startling piece of news.
“Who do you think I met at the concert, mamma?”
Joan was evidently excited. She spoke almost breathlessly, and went on without waiting for a reply.
“Jack Leclerc is back from the Front on sick leave, and he’s been made a captain.”
Mrs. Dobson glanced at Maud. “Really, my dear!” she said, but her voice was not cordial.
“What else did he tell you?”