“Ah, there is that Greene woman!”
Mrs. Overman Hodge-Lathrop was lifting her gold glasses again. Vernon was wondering how he was to face the Greene woman. But at Mrs. Overman Hodge-Lathrop’s words an idea came to him.
“I’ll go bring her and introduce her,” he said. He bolted away and went toward her. She was cold and distant. Fortunately, Burns fled at his approach.
“Can you forgive me?” he said. “I’ll explain it all in an instant.”
“And how?” she asked with a chill rise in her tone.
“Have you ever met Mrs. Overman Hodge-Lathrop?” he asked significantly.
“No,” she answered.
“Then permit me,” he said. She went with him. Mrs. Overman Hodge-Lathrop had withdrawn her delegation to the rear of the chamber, and there awaited Vernon’s return.
“Mrs. Overman Hodge-Lathrop, permit me to present Miss Greene; Miss Ansley, Miss Greene.” And so on, in the order of relative rank, he introduced her to the other ladies.
Mrs. Overman Hodge-Lathrop extended her hand officially. Miss Greene took it with a smile.