’She’ll be wanting to go out, and I won’t have it.  It isn’t right; is it, ma’am?  She’s a good girl; but they’ve got such a way nowadays of doing just as they pleases, that one doesn’t know what’s going to come next.’  Mrs Pipkin must have feared downright rebellion when she thus took her lodger into her confidence.

Ruby came down in her silk frock, as she had done before, and made her usual little speech.  ’I’m just going to step out, aunt, for a little time to-night.  I’ve got the key, and I’ll let myself in quite quiet.’

‘Indeed, Ruby, you won’t,’ said Mrs Pipkin.

‘Won’t what, aunt...