“No; I don't intend to wait until it is over. Mother and I can take a cab. Come, Mother.”
Serena reluctantly led the way to the hall. Hapgood opened the door.
“One moment, Mother,” said Gertrude. She left Serena on the step and hurried back to the drawing-room. Captain Dan and John were standing there in silence.
“Daddy,” said the young lady, “I think I left my pocketbook upstairs in my room. Will you get it for me?”
The captain ran to the stairs. Gertrude stepped quickly over to her lover.
“John,” she whispered, “you will forgive me, won't you, dear? I MUST go. It will spoil everything if I don't. You see—why, Daddy! you haven't found that pocketbook so soon!”
Daniel had reappeared in the doorway.
“I sent Hapgood for it,” he announced. “It's a good thing to make him work once in a while. What's the use of my runnin' errands when I pay him wages to run 'em for me? He'll be down in a minute.”
Gertrude did not seem pleased. “Oh!” she exclaimed. “Well, never mind. Why! here is the pocketbook in my bag, after all. Good-by, John. I will hurry back. You and Daddy will have a lot to talk about, I know. Good-by.”
The door closed behind her. Captain Dan stepped to the foot of the stairs.