That he did not offer to do so until invited, though he betrayed no
sense of social inferiority, seemed another point in his favour.



CHAPTER IV


Not half an hour after Cobb's departure Louise returned. Emmeline
was surprised to see her back so soon; they met near the railway
station as Mrs. Mumford was on her way to a shop in High Street.

'Isn't it good of me! If I had stayed longer I should have gone home
to quarrel with Cissy; but I struggled against the temptation. Going
to the grocer's? Oh, do let me go with you, and see how you do that
kind of thing. I never gave an order at the grocer's in my life--
no, indeed I never did. Mother and Cissy have always looked after
that. And I want to learn about housekeeping; you promised to teach
me.'

Emmeline made no mention of Mr. Cobb's call until they reached the
house.

'He came here!' Louise exclaimed, reddening. 'What impudence! I
shall at once write and tell him that his behaviour is outrageous.
Am I to be hunted like this?'

Her wrath seemed genuine enough; but she was vehemently eager to
learn all that had passed. Emmeline made a truthful report.