I have told Louisa
to show her right into the drawing-room without telling her I am out,
and come and find you. I want you to be very nice to her, and explain
about the Merediths. Tell her I was obliged to go because they only gave
me the place of meeting, and I have not their address. I shall be home
as soon as possible, between four and five at latest, so do your best to
keep her till I come back."
"Did you say Miss _Addiscombe_, mother?" said Dorothy dismally, yet a
little comforted by having the keys, and with the thought of choosing
the pudding, "I don't think _she's_ likely to call."
"I said Miss Addiscombe," Mrs. Graham answered decidedly. "Do you
understand what I wish you to do, Dollie?"
"Yes, mother," said Dorothy, subdued but mutinous.
Then she ran after her to the hall door.
"Mayn't I ask some one to spend the day, mother?" she called, but Mrs.
Graham was almost at the gate, nearly running to be in time for her
train, and did not hear her.
* * * * *
Mrs. Graham came home looking very white and tired. "Did Miss Addiscombe
call?" were the first words she said.
Louisa, who was bringing in the tea, looked meaningly at Dorothy, and
went out without speaking.
"Oh, mother!" said Dorothy, "I am so sorry, I had been in all day, and
Helen Jones just asked me to come to the post with her, and when I came
back there was a motor at the door, and----"
"She _came_!" exclaimed Mrs.
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