'We shouldn't have thought of coming if it hadn't been that we met Mr.Hood just this side of the bridge, and he forced us to come on; he said it wouldn't be very long before he was back himself.
But of course we shan't stay tea, so it's no use--' 'Oh, of course not,' put in Geraldine.

'We know Mrs.Hood's always far too busy on a Saturday afternoon.

I didn't want to come; I told Jessie it would be far better to put it off till to-morrow--' 'All the same,' resumed her sister, 'she wanted to see you very much.
She's got something to tell you.

Now you may as well get it out and done with, Jerry; you needn't expect I'm going to help you.' The two giggled together.
'What is it,' inquired Mrs.Hood.

'I daresay I could guess if I tried very hard.