‘He was so beautiful, Mrs Hurtle!’

’But he hadn’t the spirit of a mouse in his bosom.  Well, Ruby, you have one more choice left you.  Shall it be John Crumb or Mrs Buggins?’

‘He wouldn’t come, Mrs Hurtle.’

‘Leave that to me, Ruby.  May I bring him if I can?’ Then Ruby in a very low whisper told Mrs Hurtle, that if she thought proper she might bring John Crumb back again.  ‘And there shall be no more nonsense?’

‘No,’ whispered Ruby.

On that same night a letter was sent to Mrs Buggins, which Mrs Hurtle also composed, informing that lady that unforeseen circumstances prevented Ruby Ruggles from keeping the engagement she had made; to which a verbal answer was returned that Ruby Ruggles was an impudent...