She was no doubt considerably annoyed at missing the privilege of hearing privately an interesting young pianist (a girl) who, since, had become one of the recognized performers.

Mrs.Fyne did not dare leave her house.

As to the feelings of little Fyne when he came home from the office, via his club, just half an hour before dinner, I have no information.

But I venture to affirm that in the main they were kindly, though it is quite possible that in the first moment of surprise he had to keep down a swear-word or two.
* * * * * The long and the short of it all is that next day the Fynes made up their minds to take into their confidence a certain wealthy old lady.

With certain old ladies the passing years bring back a sort of mellowed youthfulness of feeling, an optimistic outlook, liking for novelty, readiness for experiment.