“It’s no laughing matter, Mr. Kent,” answered the ruffled matron, with dignity. “I’m put out, and I won’t deny it. I do expect to be treated like a lady, and I don’t think Jenny ought to ’ave given me my tea out of a sixpenny ’alfpenny teapot—and you can’t deny that’s what they cost, my dear, because I know as well as you do.”
“We’ll behave ourselves better next time,” said Basil good-humouredly.
“It didn’t take Jenny long to get the silver teapot as soon as your lady friend come in. But I suppose I’m not worth troubling about.”
“I believe tea always tastes much better in earthenware,” remarked Basil mildly.
“Oh yes, I dare say it does,” returned Mrs. Bush ironically. “And to catch sparrows you’ve only got to put a little salt on their tails. Good-afternoon to you.”
“You’re not going yet, ma?”
“I know when I’m not wanted, and you needn’t trouble to show me out, because I know my way and I shan’t steal the umbrellas.”
Basil was in high spirits, and this display of temper vastly amused him.
“Where did you go just now, Basil?” asked Jenny, when her mother had stalked defiantly out of the house.
“I just showed Mrs. Murray the High Street, I thought it would amuse her.”