Cragg wondered how she would like something else in the house. He had to present Pattie to his wife, and that meant an ordeal for himself, as well as for the unconscious Pattie.
Not that Pattie was so unconscious as he supposed. She had not the least expectation of a warm reception from Mrs. Cragg. And if her eyes did open rather widely at the first sight of the latter, it was not in surprise at the greeting vouchsafed, but in amazement at Mrs. Cragg's green velveteen jacket and red feather. Pattie's slim figure, in black skirt and jacket, with neat crape-trimmed hat, made an effective contrast.
"So you've come?" said Mrs. Cragg, looking her up and down.
"Mr. Cragg was so kind; he fetched me," Pattie answered, with a glow of gratitude.
"I'm sure I don't know how he managed it. He never has time to do anything I want. Always too busy."
"My dear, I really don't know that you have wanted anything to-day."
"If you had known, it wouldn't have made a grain or difference. You'd have had too much to see to, going off there."
Cragg looked apologetically towards Pattie.
"But I could have come alone," Pattie said quietly. "I dare say I should have felt a little shy, because I didn't know you; but that wouldn't have mattered. I could easily have done it. And then Mr. Cragg could have seen to whatever you wanted. I'm so sorry you didn't tell about it."
What could Mrs. Cragg say? There was no room for a sharp answer to Pattie's gentleness.