Both Mrs. Walling and Palma received her as cordially as if she had not interrupted their departure. Mrs. Walling then introduced:
“My young friend, Miss Judith Man.”
“How do you do, my dear? I am glad to see you,” said the visitor.
Judy bowed and smiled.
“You are going out. Don’t let me detain you. I was on my way down to Fourteenth Street to do a little shopping and just dropped in here to tell you a piece of news; but I can take another opportunity,” Mrs. Duncan explained.
“Oh, no! Pray do not! We should die of suspense! Pray, sit right down and open your budget. Our errand can wait as well as yours. It is only shopping. And when you are ready for yours you would oblige us by taking the fourth seat in our carriage, so that we can go together,” Mrs. Walling pleaded.
Mrs. Duncan laid down her muff and shopping bag and seated herself in one of the luxurious armchairs.
Mrs. Walling rang a bell and gave an order:
“Bring coffee into this room.”
And presently the four women had tiny china cups in their hands, sipping hot and fragrant Mocha, three of them listening while the fourth told her news.