"Oh, that's a mere blind. He goes to see that Hermia Rivers, of course. It's my opinion that he's in love with her."
"In love with Hermia Rivers? Well, he might do worse. I don't know a more charming girl than Miss Rivers."
"Charming, do you call her?" said Miss Fan, with a toss of her head. "Where are your eyes, papa? You really ought to interfere. There's no doubt she's trying to inveigle Clem into a promise of marriage."
"Clement's quite old enough to know his own mind and to judge for himself; and, as I said before, Miss Rivers is a charming girl."
He turned lingeringly away, and went up to his wife.
"Good-night, Maria," he said.
Mrs. Hazeldine was busy discussing some question of chiffons with Mrs. Maywood. She looked up when her husband spoke.
"Why do you say good-night?" she asked.
"Because I shall not be home till late. You had better not sit up for me."
"Very well, dear; you have your latch-key, I suppose. I will have a little gas left on in the hall."