She wanted to put it into a
mustard bath--for croup!"
"Where did you learn all this?"
"Just now, on the Mall. Dr. Howlen told me. The Manager of the hotel is
abusing the Bents, and the Bents are abusing the manager. They are a feckless
couple."
"Well. What's on your mind?"
"This; and I know it's a grave thing to ask. Would you seriously object to my
bringing the child over here, with its mother?"
"On the most strict understanding that we see nothing of The Dancing Master."
"He will be only too glad to stay away. Polly, you're an angel. The woman
really is at her wits' end."
"And you know nothing about her, careless, and would hold her up to public
scorn if it gave you a minute's amusement. Therefore you risk your life for
the sake of her brat. No, Loo, I'm not the angel. I shall keep to my rooms and
avoid her. But do as you please--only tell me why you do it."
Mrs. Hauksbee's eyes softened; she looked out of the window and back into Mrs.
Mallowe's face.
"I don't know," said Mrs. Hauksbee, simply.
"You dear!"
"Polly!--and for aught you knew you might have taken my fringe off. Never do
that again without warning. Now we'll get the rooms ready. I don't suppose I
shall be allowed to circulate in society for a month.
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