Now he was again at Mrs Pipkin’s door, and again it was opened by Ruby Ruggles.  His heart was in his mouth as he thought of the things he had to say.  ‘The ladies have come back from Southend, Miss Ruggles?’

‘Oh yes, sir, and Mrs Hurtle is expecting you all the day.’  Then she put in a whisper on her own account.  ’You didn’t tell him as you’d seen me, Mr Montague?’

‘Indeed I did, Miss Ruggles.’

’Then you might as well have left it alone, and not have been ill-natured,—­that’s all,’ said Ruby as she opened the door of Mrs Hurtle’s room.

Mrs Hurtle got up to receive him with her sweetest smile,—­and her smile could...