CHAPTER 16The tea-party broke up rather early. Rosamond was uneasy about Jenny, and Lucy Cunningham about Mrs. Parsons’s cat.
“I did ask Henry to keep an eye on the garden, but you know what men are, they become immersed. And cats are so determined. If it wants to sharpen its claws on that particular tree it will persevere.”
“Well, I don’t see how you are going to stop it, my dear.”
“A squirtful of water,” said Miss Cunningham firmly. “If I get back now there will be just enough light.”
When they had gone Mrs. Merridew allowed herself a little indignation.
“I can’t imagine why Lucy should expect the Parsons’s cat to be sitting there waiting for her to come home and fill a squirt. It seems ridiculous to me, and I very nearly told her so. Dear me—who on earth can this be!”
She had been
