'Hence the name Petrograd.'

'Oh, was that the reason?'

'You will be pleased to hear, Ellen, that the honourable gentleman then
resumed his seat.'

'That was nice of him.'

'As I,' good-naturedly, 'now resume mine, having made my usual
impression.'

'Yes, John.'

Emma slips upstairs to peep through a keyhole, and it strikes her mother
that John has been saying something. They are on too good terms to make
an apology necessary. She observes blandly, 'John, I haven't heard a
word you said.'

'I'm sure you haven't, woman.'

'I can't help being like this, John.'

'Go on being like yourself, dear.'

'Am I foolish?'

'Um.'

'Oh, but, John, how can you be so calm--with him up there?'