She heard the outer door open and close and a step come across the hall. She turned sharply; some one had braved the storm. It was Astry.
He stood in the door looking at her, as Belhaven had done. His fur coat was thrown back and disclosed his evening dress; his face, as usual, was pale and fair.
"I came for Belhaven," he said.
Rachel was surprised. "He's getting ready now; I thought the hour was eight."
"It is, but I was determined to have no failures and I particularly want Belhaven; you know he didn't want to come."
"Has any one failed you?"
"Only Mrs. Billop."
She smiled involuntarily. "Eva won't regret that."
"There are special dispensations. I don't see why we keep on inviting those creatures unless it is because they're related to Paul. I suppose Belhaven really means to come; it isn't informal enough to let him off, you know."
"There seems to be no question about his coming."