“Where are the girls?” with difficulty getting her attention.
“Girls? what girls? It seems to me there is no lack of them.”
“I mean the Dale girls. Didn’t you send the carriage for them as I directed?”
“Of course I did. They—how do you do, Mrs. Smartset—and Mr. Smartset, charmed I’m sure.”
The Doctor stood back and patiently waited while an influx of guests passed before her. When an opportunity offered he spoke again.
“They are not here, Mary. If you can give me a moment I would like to know why.”
“You wouldn’t have me neglect my guests to discuss those Dale girls would you? Must you be going, Mrs. Marston, and your daughter too—so good of you to come—goodnight. They are not coming,” she said in an aside to her brother, “the carriage came back with a note. I had no time to read it and I do not remember where I put it. Now for pity’s sake go and look after people and don’t worry me any more about them! Ah, Mrs. Lennox, this is really charming to see you,” as that individual entered.
It was no easy matter to escape to his office but Dr. Ware did it and sent for Kenneth.
“I have just learned that my little girls are not coming,” he said when Kenneth had joined him there. “I fear, my boy, that something is wrong and I am off. If people miss me say I was called away to a patient. Every one knows I am not to be counted on socially. Then there is Grémond. He knew the girls long ago and has been looking forward to meeting them to-night. Tell him they were prevented at the last moment from coming and give him their address so he can call if he likes.” It was characteristic of Dr. Ware that he left nothing undone.
“You are not apprehensive of anything very serious, are you?” asked Kenneth who himself felt more concern than he cared to show.