"Hello!" said Gladys.—"Come and join me in a cup of tea."
Pendleton slowly arose and turned—and Stephanie stopped short with a smothered exclamation!
XVII DOLITTLE'S TALE
She recovered herself instantly—and took Pendleton's outstretched hand.
It was a lifeless hand she gave him, however. It said plainly to him that it was offered out of respect to the conventionalities and nothing more. And her smile was as purely formal as the handshake. There was no warmth in either.
"I did not mean to intrude," she remarked.
"Intrude!" marvelled Gladys.—"Why what an idea, Stephanie! Montague and I are not—now if I were someone else, it might be apropos. This tea is cold—let me order another pot."
Pendleton went over and pushed the bell.