“It will be great to get mother out of the house,” said Peggy. “I’ll telephone to Miss Pauline that she is coming, so she can slip out before she gets there, and Mr. Thornton can keep mother until four o’clock, and then he and Bruno can walk back with her.”
“That will be great,” said Alice.
Mrs. Owen was disappointed not to find Pauline at home, and she was going to call on Mrs. Carter when Mr. Thornton invited her in with such a courtly bow that she could not refuse. She noticed that he gave an uneasy glance at the clock, from time to time.
“I am afraid I am keeping you from some engagement,” she said at last.
“I was going out for a walk with Bruno at four,” said he. “We will walk home with you if you will let us.”
“I shall be delighted, and so will the children.”
There was no one in sight when she opened the front door, but there was a suspicious noise from the dining-room. People seemed to be walking about and setting the table.
“I think I am going to have a surprise party,” said Mrs. Owen. “Won’t you stay for it?”
“That is just what I mean to do,” said Mr. Thornton. “Bruno and I had an especial invitation.”
The dining-room door opened, and who should come into the parlor but Mrs. Owen’s dear friend Mrs. Horton, who she thought was miles away.