Harvey coughed, and looked at the window--which had not been cleaned for some months.
'May I ask, without rudeness, whether it is the young lady who came----' 'Yes, Mrs.Handover.' He was uncommonly glad that Alma's name had never been spoken.

There, indeed, would have been matter for gossip.
'A very handsome young lady, Mr.Rolfe, and I'm sure I wish her all happiness, as well as yourself.' She fidgeted.

'Of course, I don't know what your plans may be, sir, but--perhaps there's no harm if I mention it--if ever you should be in need of a housekeeper--you've known me a long time, sir----' 'Yes--yes--certainly.' Harvey perspired.

'Of course, I should bear you in mind.' Thereupon he had to listen whilst Mrs.Handover discoursed at large upon her dubious prospects.

At the close of the Interview, he gave her a cheque for ten pounds, concealed in an envelope.