Then, one day in May, she was surprised by a visit from Delight Haverford. She had come home, tired and rather depressed, to find the Haverford car at the door, and Delight waiting for her in her sitting-room.
Audrey's acquaintance with Delight had been rather fragmentary, but it had covered a long stretch of time. So, if she was surprised, it was not greatly when Delight suddenly kissed her. She saw then that the girl had brought her some spring flowers, and the little tribute touched her.
“What a nice child you are!” she said, and standing before the mirror proceeded to take off her hat. Before her she could see the reflection of Delight's face, and her own tired, slightly haggard eyes.
“And how unutterably old you make me look!” she added, smiling.
“You are too lovely for words, Mrs. Valentine.”
Audrey patted her hair into order, and continued her smiling inspection of the girl's face.
“And now we have exchanged compliments,” she said, “we will have some tea, and then you shall tell me what you are so excited about.”
“I am excited; I—”
“Let's have the tea first.”
Audrey's housekeeping was still rather casual. Tidiness of Natalie's meticulous order would always be beyond her, but after certain frantic searches for what was needed, she made some delicious tea.