"I am certainly glad." Dr. Mary, as she came padding across the big living room, saw only Jean. "I thought you were a 'promiser,' and I loathe 'promisers,' almost as much as I do people who really forget me."
"No, indeed I did not forget you. I think it was because I remembered you so well that I didn't come. I got to thinking how busy you must be and—and——"
"You must have been rather busy yourself. The name they announced wasn't Norris. Is it you?"
For the first time she perceived Pat and looked inquiringly from her to Jean.
"Yes. The Herrick is for me. I was married shortly after I interviewed you. Did you read the interview? I didn't call you anything, although I assure you it was a temptation. You have Mr. Herrick to thank for that. He pruned down my finest flights."
"Sensible man. Oh yes, I read it. I thought of memorizing it, you worded it so much better than I ever did myself. But let's go into my den. I always like to have friendly chats in little rooms. Big places make me feel official."
"She's a dear," whispered Pat, as they followed the doctor to a small room at the end of the hall.
Deep in her leather chair, the doctor lit a cigarette and beamed at the two young women before her.
"Are you a newspaper woman too, Miss Farnsworth?"
"Nothing so exciting. A school teacher, and a country one at that."