And your husband kindly came to the police
court to testify to our good character, and then invited us to
lunch."
_Mrs. Rossiter_: "Why how your voice reminds me of some one who used
to come here a good deal at one time--a Mr. David Williams. I
suppose he isn't any relation?"
_Vivie_ (while Frank Gardner looks a little astonished): "Oh--my
cousin. I knew you knew him. He has often talked to me about you.
I'll tell you about David by and bye, Frank."
At this interchange of Christian names Mrs. Rossiter thinks she
understands the situation: they are engaged, have been since last
night's rescue. But what _extraordinary_ people the dear Professor
_does_ pick up! Have _they_ got ductless glands, she wonders?
Rossiter who has been fidgeting through this dialogue considers that
lunch is ready, so they proceed to the small dining-room, "the
breakfast-room." Mrs. Rossiter was always very proud of having a
_small_ drawing-room (otherwise, "me boudwor") and a _small_
dining-room. It prepared the way for greater magnificence at big
parties and also enabled one to be cosier with a few friends.
At luncheon:
_Mrs. Rossiter_ to _Frank Gardner_, archly: "I suppose you've come
home to be married?"
_Frank_: "Oh no! I'm not a bigamist, I've got a wife already and
four children, and jolly glad I shall be to get back to 'em. I can't
stand much of the English climate, after getting so used to South
African sunshine.
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