Aileen, after the first glance, did not look at the sofa.  ’Possum never liked eating with an audience—but Garth did not count.  He leaned against her, chattering in his eager little voice; and the jelly was disappearing.  So Aileen busied herself with Bertha and Polly, making tea and buttering scones. Everything was ready when Tom loomed in the doorway, with young Bill at his heels.