“I was just saying, sir, how Mr. Byrne told Emily’s people what he thought of her when they come worrying round the other day, so Cook was telling me. A proper hussy she must have been and no mistake⁠—not Cook I mean, but that young Emily, gadding out night after night, young men and followers and the good Lord knows what all. Are you ready for your cutlet now, sir, and all that plaice left in the dish? Well, I never did, if you aren’t a poor eater, Mr. Egerton⁠—and there’s no doubt she was out with one of them one night and went further than she meant, no doubt, but if you make your bed you must lie on it, though I’ve no doubt she’s sorry now.⁠ ⁠…”

Mrs. Bantam passed out into the kitchen, her voice trailing distantly away like the voices of the Pilgrims in Tannhäuser .