“Well, Amy, chattering to George as usual?” said Mrs Pirbright, across the room.
“As usual, Ma!” said the younger Miss Pirbright, glancing round with a bright smile at Miss Papaver, and turning again so as not to lose the next utterance from George.
“I wonder if you and Mr Angel could manage a duet?” said Lady Hammergallow to the Curate from Iping Hanger, who was looking preternaturally gloomy.
“I’m sure I should be delighted,” said the Curate from Iping Hanger, brightening up.
“Duets!” said the Angel; “the two of us. Then he can play. I understood—the Vicar told me—”
“Mr Wilmerdings is an accomplished pianist,” interrupted the Vicar.
“But the Imitations?” said Mrs Jehoram, who detested Wilmerdings.
“Imitations!” said the Angel.
“A pig squeaking, a c**k crowing, you know,” said Mr
