Mrs. Dunn and her
son entered at his heels.
The lady took in the group by the table at a glance: Pearson, with
the manuscript in his hands; Captain Elisha leaning back in his chair,
frowning at the interruption; Caroline rising to welcome the guests, and
coloring slightly as she did so. All these details Mrs. Dunn noted, made
an entry in her mental memorandum-book, and underscored it for future
reference.
If she discerned unpleasant possibilities in the situation, she did
not allow them to disturb her outward serenity. She kissed Caroline and
called her "dear child" as fondly as usual, shook hands graciously with
Captain Elisha, and bowed condescending recognition of Pearson.
"And how is the novel coming on? Do tell me!" she begged. "I'm sure we
interrupted a reading. It's too bad of us, really! But Malcolm insisted
upon coming. He has been very busy of late--some dreadful 'corner' or
other on the exchange--and has neglected his friends--or thinks he has.
I told him I had explained it all to you, Caroline, but he WOULD come
tonight. It is the first call he has made in weeks; so you SEE! But
there! he doesn't consider running in here a call."
Call or not, it spoiled the evening for at least two of the company.
Pearson left early.
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