"Ha, ha, ha," laughed Mr Bott.
Alice returned to the room, and Mrs Sparkes immediately saw that she had in truth been running from Mr Bott.

"I hope I shall be able to keep the peace," said she.

"I trust his offence was not one that requires special punishment." "Ha, ha, ha," again laughed Mr Bott, who rather liked his position.
Alice was very angry with herself, feeling that she had told more of the truth to Mrs Sparkes than she should have done, unless she was prepared to tell the whole.

As it was, she wanted to say something, and did not know what to say; but her confusion was at once stopped by the entrance of Lady Glencora.
"Mrs Sparkes, good morning," said Lady Glencora.

"I hope nobody has waited breakfast.