The War-Workers by E.M. Delafield

Mrs. Willoughby, in Miss Vivian's private office, reversed all rules of official precedent.

"Sit down again, my dear child -- sit down! " she cried cordially, at the same time establishing herself close to the table. "I hear you're doing wonderful work for all these dear people -- Belgians and the dear Tommies and every one -- and I felt I simply _had_ to come in and hear all about it. Also, I want to propound a tiny little scheme of my own which I think will appeal to you. Or have you heard about it already from that precious boy John, with whom, I may tell you, I'm simply _madly_ in love? I'm always threatening to elope with him!"