Two women rose to greet me as I entered the room.
“Good evening,” said the elder woman, holding out her hand. “You have neglected us for a long time.” There was something of reproach as well as civility in the voice.
Mrs. Doddridge Knapp, for I had no doubt it was she who greeted me, was large of frame but well-proportioned, and stood erect, vigorous, with an air of active strength rare in one of her years. Her age was, I supposed, near forty-five. Her face was strong and resolute, yet it was with the strength and resolution of a woman, not of a man. Altogether she looked a fit mate for Doddridge Knapp.
“Yes,” I replied, adjusting my manner nicely to hers, “I have been very busy.”
As she felt the touch of my hand and heard the sound of my voice, I thought I saw a look of surprise, apprehension and hesitation in her eyes. If it was there it was gone in an instant, and she replied gaily:
“Busy? How provoking of you to say so! You should never be too busy to take the commands of the ladies.”
“That is why I am here,” I interrupted with my best bow. But she continued without noting it:
“Luella wagered with me that you would make that excuse. I expected something more original.”
“I am very sorry,” I said, with a reflection of the bantering air she had assumed.
“Oh, indeed!” exclaimed the younger woman, to whom my eyes had turned as Mrs. Knapp spoke her name. “How very unkind of you to say so, when I have just won a pair of gloves by it. Good evening to you!” And she held out her hand.