But while the carriage was standing at the door, and while Mrs. Walling was waiting in the parlor for Judy to join her, Mrs. Cleve Stuart was announced and entered the room.
Palma went straight up to Mrs. Walling with outstretched hands and glowing eyes and said:
“How shall I thank you for the rich, beautiful dress—the soft, lovely, caressing dress—that folds me around with the feeling of a friend’s embrace—your embrace?”
For answer the lady drew the speaker to her bosom and kissed her, smiling.
“I want you to know,” continued Palma, “that I feel more comfort in this than I should if I had bought it myself out of boundless riches.”
Again Mrs. Walling kissed her, laughing this time.
“Every time I put it on I shall feel your love around me.”
The elder lady pressed both the younger one’s hands and said:
“We are going out to try to find a suitable sea cloak for Judy. We must find an extra heavy one. It will be terribly cold crossing the ocean at this season. They will be on the banks of Newfoundland in the first days of December. Will you go with us?”
“With pleasure,” said Palma. And as Judy now entered the room, ready dressed for the drive, they arose to go out. But just at that moment Mrs. Duncan was announced and came in.