“And what is to happen next?” asked Mrs. Lammle of the skeleton.

“Smash is to happen next,” said Mr. Lammle to the same authority.

After this, Mrs. Lammle looked disdainfully at the skeleton⁠—but without carrying the look on to Mr. Lammle⁠—and drooped her eyes. After that, Mr. Lammle did exactly the same thing, and drooped his eyes. A servant then entering with toast, the skeleton retired into the closet, and shut itself up.

“Sophronia,” said Mr. Lammle, when the servant had withdrawn. And then, very much louder: “Sophronia!”