But Vanderbank spoke again as soon as the door was closed.

"Does he run in and out that way without even speaking to YOU ?" Mrs.Brook turned away from the fire that, late in May, was the only charm of the crude cold afternoon.

"One would like to draw the curtains, wouldn't one?
and gossip in the glow of the hearth." "Oh 'gossip'!" Vanderbank wearily said as he came to her pretty table.
In the act of serving him she checked herself.

"You wouldn't rather have it with HER ?" He balanced a moment.

"Does she have a tea of her own ?" "Do you mean to say you don't know ?"--Mrs.Brook asked it with surprise.
"Such ignorance of what I do for her does tell, I think, the tale of how you've lately treated us." "In not coming for so long ?" "For more weeks, for more months than I can count.