“Come into the house—I’ll give you something to soothe your feelings temporarily,” said Miss Carrington.
They encountered Miss Erskine just coming from the library on her way to the door.
“My dear Davila, so glad to see you!” she exclaimed. “And Mr. Croyden, we thought you had deserted us, and just when we’re trying to make you feel at home. So glad to welcome you back!” holding out her fat hand.
“I’m delighted to be back,” said Croyden. “The Carringtons seemed genuinely glad to see me—and, now, if I may include you, I’m quite content 242 to return,” and he shook her hand, as though he meant it.
“Of course you may believe it,” with an inane giggle. “I’m going to bring my art class over to Clarendon to revel in your treasures, some day, soon. You’ll be at home to them, won’t you, dear Mr. Croyden?”
“Surely! I shall take pleasure in being at home,” Croyden replied, soberly.
Then Macloud, who was talking with the Captain, was called over and presented, that being, Miss Carrington thought, the quickest method of getting rid of her. The evident intention to remain until he was presented, being made entirely obvious by Miss Erskine, who, after she had bubbled a bit more, departed.
“What is her name, I didn’t catch it?—and” (observing smiles on Croyden and Miss Carrington’s faces) “what is she?”
“I think father can explain, in more appropriate language!” Miss Carrington laughed.
“She’s the most intolerable nuisance and greatest fool in Hampton!” Captain Carrington exploded.