"Yes," replied Brent with a sigh of relief.
Alaric dashed to the door and opened it as though to speed the visitor on his way.
"So sorry I was out when you called," lied Alaric nimbly. "Run in any time. Always delighted to see you. Delighted. Is the angel wife all well?"
Brent bowed: "Thank you."
"And the darling child?"
Brent frowned. He crossed to the door and turned in the frame and admonished Alaric:
"Please give my remembrances to your mother." Then he passed out. As he disappeared the irrepressible Alaric called after him:
"Certainly. She'll be so disappointed not to have seen you. Run in any time—any time at all." Alaric closed the door and saw his mother and Ethel coming down the stairs.
All traces of emotion had disappeared from Ethel's face and manner. She was once again in perfect command of herself. She carried a beautiful little French poodle in her arms and was feeding her with sugar.
Alaric fussily brought his mother forward.