leven o'clock," she said. "Mother's rather angry."

"You'd better not come in," said Lily to Michael. "She'll be all right
again by next week, when you come back."

"Oh, no, I'll come in," he insisted. "I'd rather explain why we're so
late."

"It's no use arguing with mother when she's unreasonable," said Lily. "I
shall go up to bed; I don't want to have a row."

"That's right," Doris sneered. "Always take the shortest and easiest
way. You are a coward."

"Oh, shut up," said Lily, and without another word went upstairs.

"You've spoilt her," said Doris. "Well, are you going to see mother? She
isn't in a very pleasant mood, I warn you."

"She's never been angry before," said Michael hopelessly.

"Well, she has really," Doris explained. "Only she's vented it on me."

"I say, I'm awfully sorry. I had no idea----" Michael began.

"Oh, don't apologize," said Doris. "I'm used to it. Thank god, I'm going
on the stage nest year; and then Lily and mother will be able to
squabble to their heart's content."

Mrs. Haden was sitting in what was called The Cosy Corner; and she
treated Michael's entrance with exaggerated politeness.

"Won't you sit down? It's rather late, but do sit down."

All the time she was speaking the plate-rack above The Cosy Corner was
catching the back of her hair, and Michael wondered how long it would be
before she noticed this.

"Really, I think it's very wrong of you to bring my daughter home at
this hour," Mrs. Haden clattered. "I'm sure nobody likes young people to
enjoy themselves more than I do. But eleven o'clock! Where is Lily now?"

"Gone to bed," said Doris, who seized the opportunity to depart also.

"I'm awfully sorry, Mrs. Haden," said Michael awkwardly "But as it was
my last night, I suggested driving back from Hampton Court. It was all
my fault; I do hope you won't be angry with Lily."

"But I am angry with Lily," said Mrs. Haden. "Very angry. She's old
enough to know better, and you're old enough to know better. How will
people think I'm bringing up my daughters, if they return at midnight
with young men in hansoms? I never heard of such a thing. You're
presuming on your age. You've no business to compromise a girl like
this."

"Compromise?" stammered Michael.

"None of the young people but you has ever ventured to behave like
this," Mrs. Haden went on with sharply metallic voice. "Not one of them.
And, goodness knows, every Sunday the house is full of them."

"But th