He pictured her in the dirty mess-room, looking exotic in her fashionable clothes and expensive furs, but no doubt quite serene.

She said the other girl was pretty, but Cartwright admitted that Barbara was beautiful.

He rather sympathized with Lister's embarrassment, and wondered whether Barbara meant to throw some light on the young man's character.
When she stopped, he asked: "Did they talk about some burst boiler tubes ?" "No," said Barbara.

"We talked about gas-stoves and kitchen pans." Then she gave Cartwright a keen glance.

"But what are boiler tubes?
Do they sometimes burst ?" "They carry the flame from the furnace through the water.