“When? Oh, when?” demanded Ran with more eagerness than politeness. And then suddenly remembering himself he said: “Oh, I beg pardon.”
“Why, any time—this week, to-morrow, to-day, if you like. Yes, to-day, it will be just as convenient as any other day. Will you escort me, Mr. Hay?” said the lady.
“Oh, with the greatest pleasure and gratitude, ma’am. You are very kind.”
Mrs. Walling touched a bell, which brought a servant to the room. She ordered her carriage to be brought to the door, and then turning to young Hay, said:
“If you will remain here until I put on my bonnet and wraps I will not keep you long.”
Ran rose and bowed, and Mrs. Walling left the room.
Twenty minutes later Ran handed the lady into her carriage, entered after her, and gave the order:
“To the Alto Flats.”
The truth is that Mrs. Samuel Walling was impelled by curiosity as well as by neighborly kindness in thus promptly going to call on Mrs. Cleve Stuart.
A half hour’s drive brought them to the flats.