Just as he was about to speak, the servant appeared with tea.

Alma slowly raised herself, and, whilst she plied the office of hostess, Harvey got rid of the foolish hat and stick that encumbered him.

He had now no intention of hurrying away.
As if by natural necessity, they talked of nothing in particular whilst tea was sipped.

Harvey still held his cup, when at the outer door sounded a rat-tat-tat, causing him silently to execrate the intruder, whoever it might be.

Unheeding, and as if she had not heard, Alma chatted of trifles.