Three pairs of eyes were regarding her, Claybrook's with a slight frown. He continued gazing at her for a moment, in consideration, and then, the topic changing to Florida in the winter, he apparently forgot her.
At eleven o'clock they rose to go. Mrs. Thompson showed signs of relief, and there was more warmth in the farewells than in any previous interchange of amenities. Mr. Thompson laid his hand affectionately on Mary Louise's shoulder as they stood in the doorway into the hall. His manner was bluff and friendly:
"John tells me you're running the tea room over on Spruce Street. Guess I'll have to drop in and see how you're doing."
She murmured her gratitude.
"Won't mind, will you, if I bring in anything on my hip? Tea's mighty weak for a growing boy."
They all laughed, and as she and Claybrook made their way to the elevator, the Thompsons stood in the hall calling gibes and parting injunctions after them.
"Great old scout," commented Claybrook as they descended to the ground floor. "Sure been a good friend to me."
Mary Louise felt her taut nerves slowly relaxing.
"What does he do?" she responded wearily.
"Contractor. Biggest in town." And then when they reached the street and were climbing into the car, "Whadda you say to meeting me at five o'clock to-morrow afternoon? Look at that Marlowe car you say you like."