He looked at her.
“Then you are not acting on behalf of my scoundrelly nephew, Masterton Donalds?” he said.
“I never heard of him.”
“But I thought—he has made certain threats that he would attempt to force me to make him an allowance. I thought—”
“No,” said the red-haired woman in a very low voice. “Take her! I’m sorry. It was all a mistake!”
V
Judith was waiting in Mrs. Fremby’s room. She had been told to come there at six o’clock, in order to hear some news. She had come, and had found the room empty. Judith’s nature, however, was not an impatient one. She waited, full of a calm confidence in her friend. She ate the entire contents of a bag of chocolates that she found on the table, she tried on Mrs. Fremby’s hats, and then she sat down to read Mrs. Fremby’s latest article, which began thus:
Paris no longer reigns undisputed over American modes. There is a distinct tendency—
The door opened, and Mrs. Fremby entered. As was her habit, she locked the door behind her. Then she smiled. It was a pretty sickly smile, but Judith was not observant.
“Hello, Judith!” she said.