But before she had returned to the living room the bell rang. Henrietta and Bill!
Catherine held out her hands, one to each, and drew them into the hall.
"You dears!" she cried. "I am glad to see you. Come in."
She stepped back into visibility with their entrance. Henrietta had met Miss Partridge at Bellevue one day. William bowed with his usual courtly silence.
"Did you like Miss Kelly?" demanded Henrietta, as she settled into the wing chair before Miss Partridge had it again. "She came in, didn't she?"
"She's coming Monday."
"Is Monday the great day?" Bill was looking at her, and Catherine smiled swiftly at the warm, quiet friendliness of his eyes.
"Monday!" she declared. "I telephoned Dr. Roberts this morning."
"Isn't it fine, Miss Partridge"—Henrietta turned briskly to her—"this move of Mrs. Hammond's."