And so, it was not more than half an hour later when three spick and span Maynards went downstairs again, in fresh attire, from hair-ribbons to slipper-bows, though, of course, King didn’t wear hair-ribbons.
CHAPTER XII
THE HOUSE ON SPRUCE STREET
In the drawing-room they found only the two ladies.
Perhaps Mr. Mortimer had asked them to treat the children with more kindliness, and perhaps they themselves concluded they had been too harsh in their judgment, but at any rate, their reception was far less chilly than it had been an hour ago.
Mrs. Mortimer was positively gracious in her demeanor, and even smiled as she gave Marjorie her finger-tips, after the little girl had made her best curtsey.
Kitty followed, and King, though he had to fight down his resentful feelings, behaved with the winsome politeness which always characterized his “good manners.”
The children were consumed with curiosity to know how the Simpsons had been disposed of, but deemed it better to ask no questions. So the conversation was on trivial subjects, and Miss Larkin grew quite amiable, as she realized that, though belated, this was the scene into which she had desired to introduce her guest. The Simpson subject was ignored, until, just before dinner was announced, Mr. Mortimer returned, his eyes twinkling, and his whole expression betokening great amusement.
They went to the dining-room then, and not until the soup had been served, did he satisfy the children’s eager desire to know what had happened.
“I think I owe it to you, Miss Marjorie,” he began, “to tell you what I did with your guests.”
“Oh, if you please, Mr. Mortimer,” said Marjorie, with shining eyes.