"I know I'm sadly rude to interrupt you, but I hear my nephew in the hall, and I must just say a word to him before he comes in.

I'll be back immediately.

You will forgive me--won't you ?" She floundered to the door, leaving Mr Ogilvie no little disconcerted at his appeal being thus cut short.

Austin had just come in, and was in the act of hanging up his hat when his aunt appeared.
"Well, auntie!" he said.

"And has the gentleman arrived ?" "Hush!" breathed Aunt Charlotte, as she pointed a warning finger to the door.