The words were hardly out of his mouth before Mrs. Heywood came in in a state of great agitation. “Herbert, I must really ask you to come into the kitchen.” “What’s the matter now?” asked Herbert, prepared for the worst. “Mollie has deliberately broken our best coffee-pot.” Herbert stared at his wife. “Didn’t I tell you so!” he said. “Why has she broken the coffee-pot?” asked Clare. “She was most insolent,” said Mrs. Heywood, “and said my interference got on her nerves.” “Well, even a servant _has_ nerves,” said Clare. “But it was the _best_ coffee-pot, Clare. Surely you are not going to take it so calmly?” “Like mistress like maid!” said Herbert. “Oh, my hat! Why on earth did I marry?” “Don’t you think you had better fetch the whisky?” said Clare gently. Herbert became excited again. “I have been trying to fetch the whisky for the last half hour. There is a conspiracy against it. Confound it, I _will_ fetch the whisky.” He strode to the door, as though he would get the whisky or die in the attempt. “I think you ought to speak to Mollie first,” said Mrs. Heywood. Herbert raised his hands above his head. “Damn Mollie!” he shouted wildly. Then he strode out of the room. “Damn everything!” “Poor dear,” said Mrs. Heywood. “I wish he didn’t get so worried.” “Clare, won’t you come and speak to Mollie?” “Haven’t you spoken to her?” asked Clare wearily. “I am always speaking to her.” “_Poor_ Mollie!” said Clare. Mrs. Heywood was hurt at the tone of pity. She flushed a little and then turned to her daughter-in-law with reproachful eyes. “I am an old woman, Clare, and the mother of your husband. Because my position forces me to live in this flat, I do not think you ought to insult me.” “I’m sorry,” said Clare with sincerity. “Mollie is right. We all get on each other’s nerves. It can’t be helped, I suppose. It’s part of the system.” “I can’t help being your mother-in-law, Clare.” “No, it can’t he helped,” said Clare. Mrs. Heywood came close to her and touched her hand. “You think I do not understand. You think you are the only one who has any grievance.” “Oh, no!” said Clare. “I am not so egotistical.” Mrs. Heywood smoothed down her dress with trembling hands.