Rose started laying the table. Suddenly the door open and a man and two redhaired boys entered.
"Oh father," Rose said quickly. "This is Pearl Carrington. She's my friend. I invited her for tea." Rose suddenly became aware of how pretentious it sounded. The Carringtons were one of the wealthiest families in town and so everyone at least knew the name. Rose blushed.

Her father looked from Rose to Pearl thoughtfully for a moment. Then he closed the door and put his fisherman's cap on a peg at the wall. "Pleasure to meet ye, miss Carrington. Ye'r welcome to join us, but do yer parents or husband know ye'r here? This is hardly a place for a lady."