At the entrance of a lady--a lady without qualification--such of the feeders as happened to look from their plates stared in wonderment.

It was an embarrassing position.

Mrs.Ormonde walked quickly down the narrow gangway, and to the door in the partition.

A young woman was just coming forth, with steaming plates on a tray.
'Can I see Mrs.Gandle ?' the visitor asked.
The girl cried out: 'Mother, you're wanted!' and pushed past, with grins bestowed on either side.
Above the partition appeared a face like a harvest moon.
'I have come in reply to your letter,' Mrs.Ormonde said, 'the letter about the girl who is ill.' 'Oh, you've come, have you, mum!' was the reply, in a voice at once respectful and surprised.

'Would you be so good as step inside, mum?
Please push the door.' Mrs.Ormonde was relieved to pass into the privacy of the kitchen.