woman who was so accomplished in the art of giving pleasure--
especially to men. Frankly, Deb always preferred a man to talk to, and
she was agreeably surprised to find that Peter was very intelligent,
and acquainted with several things beside shopkeeping. Rose was simply
enchanted to find herself 'cut out' by him. When she was not stealing
from the room to leave the coast clear, she was beaming over her
needlework in the background, still as a mouse. Not by word or look
would she spoil his chance of proving to Deb what he really was--how
mistaken in him she and the others had been.

It was Peter who escorted the guest round the garden and stables, Mrs
Peter excusing herself. In the well-stocked greenhouse Miss Pennycuick,
who was fond of flowers, obtained 'wrinkles' that she declared would be
most valuable to her in the management of her Redford houses--which
she implied that he must see; in the interview with the carriage horse
--Rose had a little brougham, not, as her sisters supposed, for paying
calls on other drapers' wives, which she had small leisure for, but for
shoppings and airings and taking children to dentists and pantomimes--
Miss Pennycuick was instructive in her turn, feeling legs and advising
about firing and bandages with the recognised authority of an
expert. Old Bruce, padding at his master's heels, was greeted by name,
patted and shaken hands with, as if he had never abetted rebels; and
the discovery of a litter of choice puppies gave opportunity for the
making of a little present, which was graciously received.

After tea, Rose was invited to show her house--a further proof of her
sister's tact and powers of divination. Now Peter was left behind--he
used the opportunity to cut flowers for Deb to take away with her--and
the little matron was in her glory. From top to bottom, and every
cupboard and corner, and the numerous up-to-date appliances, and the