She watched with interest, a carriage that was coming along the road towards her. It was nothing unusual in the way of a carriage, but there was so little passing, that anything on four wheels was always noticeable. This was a buggy, and contained a lady and gentleman who seemed to be driving slowly and talking fast.
To Dorothy's surprise, when they reached the entrance of the Dorrance Domain, they turned in, and drove up towards the house.
As they stopped in front of the steps, Dorothy rose to greet them; but though courteous in manner, beyond bestowing a pleasant smile, they took no notice of her. The gentleman got out first, then helped the lady out, and after a blank look around for a moment, as if expecting somebody, he threw his lines carelessly around the whip and escorted the lady into the house.
The doors were all open as usual, and Dorothy was so amazed to see them walk past her, that she said nothing.
Grandma Dorrance was lying down in her room; the twins had gone out rowing, and Fairy was down at the dock with Mr. Hickox, fishing.
The two servants were far away in the kitchen, and so the strangers walked through the great hall and out on the west veranda without seeing anybody.
Nonplussed, they returned to the office, and noted the unused look of the desks and counters there.
"Where do you suppose the clerk can be?" said the gentleman.
"Let us ask that young girl on the veranda," said the lady, and together they returned to where Dorothy was sitting.
"Excuse me," said the strange gentleman, "but can you tell me where I may find the clerk of this hotel?"