"Was there anything remarkable about him?" she asked.
"Rather!" Utterly now took hat and stick firmly in his hand. "Where do the Listers live?"
Mrs. Scott ignored the question. It annoyed her to think of this brilliant stranger in the hands of Mrs. Lister even though his business was with her.
"If you are interested in hearing about Basil Everman"—the name slipped from her lips as though it had long waited just behind them—"you might like to meet some Waltonville people here to-morrow evening. They could tell you a great deal."
Utterly accepted the invitation with alacrity. If he were still in Waltonville, he should like nothing better.
"There is another citizen of Waltonville whom I should like to meet," said he.
Mrs. Scott's mind traveled rapidly down the list of professors. She almost purred in her satisfaction.
"I shall be glad to ask any one. That person is—"
When Utterly answered "Miss Eleanor Bent," Mrs. Scott looked astonished and disapproving. Utterly read her countenance with amusement. It was evident that Miss Bent did not move in Mrs. Scott's circle. The worse for Mrs. Scott! He explained that he was to call on Miss Bent that evening by appointment. She was, thank fortune! here and alive and easy to find. Then, with a polite good-afternoon, he descended the steps and started toward the Listers' white house.
Dr. Scott and his wife spoke simultaneously.