‘I thought you were going to a party with Maud,’ said Mrs. Belassis sharply.
‘I have changed my mind. It is too hot to enjoy such things.’
‘You have never let Maud go alone! She is not to be trusted by herself anywhere.’
‘I have the greatest confidence in dear Maud. But she will not go alone. We were to call for Mrs. Nelson. Maud will go now under her care.’
Mrs. Belassis turned over her books with the haste of deeply-seated annoyance. Then she turned irritably upon the gentle sister, whom she had been accustomed for so many years to tyrannize over successfully.
‘Well, I wish you would go away now, Olive. I can’t bear company when I want to study.’
‘I will not disturb you,’ answered Mrs. Lorraine, settling herself quietly back in her chair.
Mrs. Belassis looked rather as she might have done had a dove turned upon her.
‘You decline to leave me, do you, Olive?’
‘Yes, Celia, I do. You are our guest whilst you are in this house—Maud’s and mine. It is not usual to leave guests alone.’