Emmeline gave her references, and in return requested the like from Mrs.Higgins.

This astonished the good woman.

Why, her husband was Messrs.

'Iggins of Fenchurch Street! Oh, a mere formality, Emmeline hastened to add--for Mr.Mumford's satisfaction.

So Mrs.Higgins very pompously named two City firms, and negotiations, for the present, were at an end.
Louise, summoned to the drawing-room, looked rather tired of waiting.
'When can you have me, Mrs.Mumford ?' she asked.