“We came to see the Misses Gates,” Doris explained. “They’re expecting us.”
“Oh!” A peculiar expression flashed over the woman’s face. She was silent for an instant and then she said: “You came to the wrong door. This is our quarter.”
“And you are—”
“Cora Sully. I take care of the house. This is my husband, Henry, and I’ll tell you right now there ain’t a lazier man alive!”
Somewhat embarrassed at such brutal frankness, Doris and Kitty continued to edge toward the door.
“Go around to the side door and I’ll let you in proper, else the old maids’ll be put out.” Then she added more gently: “We’re not much used to company here.”
As the girls were about to close the door behind them, she called shrilly:
“You can’t take the dog in!”
Still carrying their suitcases, and with Wags trotting at their heels, Doris and Kitty made their way toward the side door. It was beginning to rain hard.
“What a horrible woman!” Kitty shuddered. “Now, what can we do with Wags?”