The clock struck seven. Martha glanced at it and suddenly uttered an exclamation.
“My goodness gracious!” she exclaimed. “I declare, Mr. Bangs, you and I have forgotten all about that blessed seance. And half past seven was the time for it to begin. Good gracious me!”
Galusha started. “Dear me, dear me!” he cried. “So it was. I had completely forgotten it, really I had.”
He put his hand to his forehead.
“I shall have to go to it,” declared Martha. “Lulie begged me to come and the cap'n won't like it if I stay away. But I don't see that you need to, Mr. Bangs. You and your cousin can stay right here and talk and be comfortable. He is goin' to stay overnight. Oh, yes, you are, Mr. Cabot. I wouldn't let a stray cat go to Elmer Roger's hotel if I could help it, to say nothin' of Mr. Bangs' cousin. The spare room's all ready and Primmie is up there now, airin' it. She took your bag up with her; I had your chauffeur bring it in from the car.”
Her guest stared at her for a moment, laughed and shook his head.
“Well, really, Miss Phipps,” he said, “I don't know what to say to you. You rather take me off my feet. It is very kind of you and, of course, I am very much obliged; but, of course, too, I couldn't think of staying.”
“Now, please, Mr. Cabot! It isn't the least little bit of trouble, and that's honest. Mr. Bangs, you tell him to stay.”
Galusha, thus appealed to, tried to say something, but succeeded only in looking distressed.
“We WANT him to stay, don't we, Mr. Bangs?” urged Martha.