`` Come in here with me , '' he said masterfully . `` I want to have a long talk with you before the other people get hold of you . '' When Beatrice got home from the party ten minutes before her brother and his wife , Margaret was sitting Turk fashion in the big armchair , with her eyes very wide open and owlish . `` You dear girlie , were you asleep ? '' asked Aunt Beatrice indulgently . Margaret nodded . `` Yes , and I 've let the fire go out . I hope you 're not cold . I must run before Aunt Bella gets here , or she 'll scold . Had a nice time ? '' `` Delightful . You were a dear to lend me this dress . It was so funny to see Bella staring at it . '' When Margaret had put on her hat and jacket she went as far as the street door , and then tiptoed back to the sitting-room . Aunt Beatrice was leaning back in the armchair , with a drooping rose held softly against her lips , gazing dreamily into the dull red embers . `` Auntie , '' said Margaret contritely , `` I ca n't go home without confessing , although I know it is a heinous offence to interrupt the kind of musing that goes with dying embers and faded roses in the small hours . But it would weigh on my conscience all night if I did n't . I was asleep , but I wakened up just before you came in and went to the window . I did n't mean to spy upon anyone -- but that street was bright as day ! And if you will let an M.P. kiss you on the doorstep in glaring moonlight , you must expect to be seen . ''
`` I would n't have cared XXXXX there had been a dozen onlookers , '' said Aunt Beatrice frankly , `` and I do n't believe he would either . ''
against although as before if in into of with without