Now let them chatter and mop and mow; the echo of that music still lived around.
Hood had not returned when they sat down to tea.

Jessie began to ask questions about the strange-looking man they had met in company with him, but Mrs.Hood turned the conversation.
'I suppose you'll be coming with the same tale next, Jessie,' she said, with reference to Geraldine.
'Me, Mrs.Hood?
No, indeed; I haven't had lessons from Emily for nothing.

It's all very well for empty-headed chits like Jerry here, but I've got serious things to attend to.

I'm like Emily, she and I are never going to be married.' 'Emily never going to be married ?' exclaimed Mrs.Hood, half seriously.
'Ah, you mustn't believe all Emily tells you.' 'Oh, she hasn't told me that herself, but I'm quite sure she would be offended if any one thought her capable of such frivolity.' 'Emily will keep it to herself till the wedding-day,' said Geraldine, with a mocking shake of the bead.

'She isn't one to go telling her secrets.' At this point Hood made his appearance.