"Byword," suggested Mrs. Chinnery.
"Proverb," said Miss Willett. "Are you feeling too warm, mother?" she asked, eying the old lady with sudden concern.
"A little," said Mrs. Willett. "I suppose it's being used to big rooms. I always was one for plenty of space. It doesn't matter—don't trouble."
"It's no trouble," said Captain Trimblett, who was struggling with the window. "How is that?" he inquired, opening it a little at the top and returning to his seat.
"There is a draught down the back of my neck," said Mrs. Willett; "but don't trouble about me if the others like it. If I get a stiff neck Cecilia can rub it for me when I get home with a little oil of camphor."
"Yes, mother," said Miss Willett.
"I once had a stiff neck for three weeks," said Mrs. Willett.
The captain rose again and, with a compassionate glance at Mr. Truefitt, closed the window.
"One can't have everything in this world," said the old lady; "it ought to be a very cosey room in winter, You can't get too far away from the fire, I mean."
"It has done for us for a good many years now," said Mrs. Chinnery. "I've never heard Peter complain."