The two women saluted one another with the usual formal kiss and seated themselves.
"What news now, Luella?" asked Emily calmly, for she knew without news Luella Allen seldom called.
"O Emily! I know all about it, dear! I've come to talk it over with you. I saw the whole thing. It's so shocking I can hardly believe it. We really must take Venna in hand and make her realize she is too grown up to act ridiculous now and disgrace us!"
Emily stiffened and flushed.
"I don't understand you, Luella. Venna couldn't disgrace anyone. She is as near perfect as any girl could be."
"Didn't John tell you then? The poor dear! He didn't want to shock you, did he? But I think you ought to know."
Here she paused and lifted her black bordered handkerchief to her nose to indulge in a sympathetic snuffle.
"Please explain, Luella!" Emily's voice was unusually impatient and short.
"Oh, I know John will blame me for telling you Emily, but I'll do my duty," she said righteously. "Last night I was on Broadway and in the crowd my car was stopped. I looked out of the window and I saw—I can scarcely believe it yet—I saw our Venna standing in the street with a handful of those wicked Mormons—(yes, I found out afterwards, they were Mormons)—playing her violin to a mixed New York crowd. Just think of it! Our Venna!"
Emily Hastings had suddenly paled.