“Ah, indeed!” ejaculated Hortense.
Was there a note of disappointment in her voice?
“I rather wanted to see that lace again. It was a beautiful pattern. I have a passion for fine and rare lace.”
“Well, it’s safe with the rich old lady who brought it to us,” said Elizabeth, bluntly.
“You are quite wise to get it in safe keeping as soon as possible,” said Hortense, suavely.
“By the way, you never have let me see the orchid pin,” put in Billy. “You remember you promised.”
“Why, of course! I’ll get it immediately.”
She was gone from the room for a few moments. Elizabeth, who usually was very much at home with Billy McGraw, now sat in silence. For the moment she had nothing to say. He looked at her a little uneasily.
“Are you—are you—kind of angry with me?” he finally said.
“I? The idea! Why should I be angry with you?”