Bill remembered. Only she was not the Kingsley girl; she was Arnold Gibbs's little girl.
"You must look them up, too. They'll probably have some people visiting them, too; the Kingsleys always did entertain, and they have a very good position. And Miss Norcross thinks it just possible that the Humes have opened their house. You've never met Mrs. Hume, but if you just mentioned that you're a Marshall, she'll be delighted to see you. She knew your mother."
Bill groaned.
"Talk to Miss Norcross about it," added Aunt Caroline. "She'll know exactly what you should do."
"Good Lord, Aunt Caroline! Don't you think I know how to behave without getting tips from Miss Norcross? You'll be wanting me to consult Peter next."
"And a very good idea it would be, William. I suggest it. And now see if you can find last night's Evening Post; I haven't seen it yet. After that I think you'd better start."
Bill walked out like a surly child. He could not find the Evening Post, but he picked up a copy of Devilish Stories, gave it to a maid and told her Aunt Caroline wanted it. Then he went on deck and ordered the launch.
He had no intention of calling on anybody. He might ring up Kid Whaley on the 'phone and see if everything was all set for that little affair. But what he wanted principally was a change of environment.
Mary saw him sulking at the rail as he waited for the launch to be brought around to the gangway. She smiled, bit her lip and approached.