Granny is coming to look at it." "I see." "I have to go now.

I hope you'll soon be better.

Good-bye!" Then, instead of the little girl, Courtier saw a tall and rather florid woman regarding him with a sort of quizzical dignity.

She wore a stiffish fawn-coloured dress that seemed to be cut a little too tight round her substantial hips, for it quite neglected to embrace her knees.
She had on no hat, no gloves, no ornaments, except the rings on her fingers, and a little jewelled watch in a leather bracelet on her wrist.
There was, indeed, about her whole figure an air of almost professional escape from finery.
Stretching out a well-shaped but not small hand, she said: "I most heartily apologize to you, Mr.Courtier." "Not at all." "I do hope you're comfortable.

Have they given you everything you want ?" "More than everything." "It really was disgraceful! However it's brought us the pleasure of making your acquaintance.