"It's pretty hot stuff!" laughed Dolittle. "Were you at the Croydens' last night?"
Pendleton glanced at Porshinger. The latter's face was suddenly creased by a frown.
"No—but Marcia was," Emerson answered, with the parvenu parent's pride in the daughter who has been included.
"She didn't tell you, I fancy?"
"I've not seen her.—She takes her breakfast in bed, you know."
"No—I didn't know," said Dolittle airily—then hastened to add:—"but most women do so, I understand."
"I don't know about most women," Emerson returned bluntly.
"Of course, you don't," Dolittle interjected pleasantly. "An old married man isn't supposed to know about such things. Hey!" and he laughed. "But to return—have you ever been in Croyden's country-house? It's down the valley."
"Sure, I have," said Emerson.