Evidently it would not be wise for Thyrza to leave home; that being the ease, it was decided that Mr.Boddy should come and have tea with the girls in their own room.

Lydia talked over these things with Mary in the kitchen below the shop, where odours of Christmas fare were already rife.

The parlour was full of noisy people, amid whom Mr.Bower was holding weighty discourse; the friends had gone below for privacy.
'So I shall keep the coat till he comes, Lydia said.

'I know Thyrza would like to see his poor old face when he puts it on.

And you might come round yourself, Mary, just for an hour.' 'I'll see if I can.' 'I suppose you'll have people at night ?' 'I don't know, I'm sure.