Virginia turned to the butler. Anxiously she said:
"Isn't there some mistake?"
Oku shook his head, and throwing open the door of the salon, motioned to them to enter.
"Excuse, please, but there is no mistake," he grinned. "Mr. Stafford he say to me over telephone he is very sorry, but there is big meeting and he not get away. He be here in half an hour."
The girls looked at each other in dismay. Jimmie made a grimace.
"Half an hour! Jumping Jupiter!" he exclaimed.
"He say he is very sorry," went on Oku apologetically, "but will hurry quick as can. He say for you to wait till he come and he tell me to say many time, 'Excuse, please! Excuse!'"
Virginia smiled. With quiet dignity she said:
"Very well—we understand—we will wait."
Oku put out his hand for their hats and coats.