There had been another ring at the front door bell while she had been talking, and now Mrs. Mercer was shown into the room.
The little lady's manner was combined of effusiveness and nervousness. She had come to see Mrs. Walter, if she was well enough, but wouldn't hear of her being disturbed if she was resting. She could easily come at another time. She was so pleased to see Beatrix looking so well. But what a horrid change in the weather! It did look as if the summer had come to an end at last. She had really thought of lighting a fire this morning. No, she wouldn't sit down. She had heaps of things to do. If Mrs. Walter couldn't see her she would come in later.
Mollie thought her mother would be pleased to see her, and went upstairs. Mrs. Mercer did consent to sit down until she returned, but her manner was as jerky as before. Beatrix liked her and would have been ready to tell her the news that was filling her mind. But there was no opportunity before Mollie came back. Mrs. Mercer went upstairs with her, after shaking hands warmly with Beatrix, and saying that she supposed she would have gone before she came down again.
Mollie looked rather disturbed when she came back into the room and shut the door after her. Beatrix looked at her as she took her seat again, and said: "Tell me about it, Moll. You know we're friends, and I've told you everything about myself, and about René."
"Oh, well," said Mollie, with an intonation of relief. "I've told you everything so far. I'm afraid she has come to make trouble."
"And her husband has sent her, I suppose. I don't think she'd want to make trouble on her own account. She's nice."
"She is nice, isn't she? All of you think so, don't you?"
"Yes, we like her. If it weren't for her horrid husband we should like her very much. Unfortunately you can't divide them. She's too much under his thumb."
"I don't think I should put it quite like that," said Mollie hesitatingly.
"No, I know you wouldn't," said Beatrix quickly. "And that's why you can never get it quite straight. He is horrid, and he's horrid in nothing more than the way he treats you."