When finally we had made our grateful adieux, squashed ourselves into the chaise, and, wending our way down a dark and damp lane, at last discovered ourselves to be at home again, the clock was striking four and faint glimmerings of dawn could be discerned in the eastern sky. We disentangled our weary limbs, climbed down, and went yawning to bed.We were up betimes, however, as I wished to call on the Throstletwists early enough in the day to forestall them, and our other friends, from calling on us. As delightful as it is to entertain one’s neighbors, I prefer not to do so too often—the incidental expenses are rather higher than our domestic economy can withstand.I had some difficulty in wresting Charity and Prudence from the depths of slumber, however. They wailed and attempted to retreat under the bedclothes again. When I persisted, they demanded tea and toast before they would consider rising from their beds. At last, however, with the assistance of their maid, I succeeded in getting them dressed for the day and prodded and pushed them out the front door.
