“How cross he looked,” she said, wonderingly. “I never saw him so before. What do you suppose has happened?”
Speculation concerning Cousin Percy's evident perturbation caused her to forget the disclosure Captain Dan had been about to make. By the time she remembered to ask about it the captain had decided not to tell. He fabricated some excuse or other, and the excuse was accepted, to his great relief.
None of the Dott household attended the Wainwright recital. Mr. Holway called on Wednesday, just after luncheon, to say that he had obtained the necessary cards, but his kindness went for nought. He stayed, so it seemed to Daniel, a good deal longer than was necessary, and Mr. Hungerford, who remained in the room every moment of the time, evidently thought so, too. So did Serena. Gertrude, however, was very cordial, and again begged the visitor not to hurry.
Saturday evening was that of the Chapter meeting, the meeting at which Gertrude was to be made a member. That forenoon Azuba electrified her mistress by expressing an ardent desire to become a member also. Her wish was not received with enthusiasm.
“Why, what do you want to do that for, Azuba?” asked Serena in amazement.
“Why shouldn't I want to? You're a member, ain't you? Gertie's goin' to be a member to-night, ain't she?”
“Yes. But—but—”
“Well, but what?”
“I didn't know you were interested in such things. You never were when we lived in Trumet.”
Azuba dismissed the past with a scornful sniff and a wave of the hand.