The door was opened and closed. John Merriam's straining ears could catch no definite sound of footsteps or skirts, and he did not dare to look around. Yet by some sixth sense, it seemed, he was aware of Mollie June's progress half way across the room and aware that she had stopped, some feet away from him.
"What is it--George?" she asked.
It was only too clear that Mollie June's lord and master was not in the habit of sending for her.
"Where is--Miss Norman?"
Merriam was conscious that Senator Norman probably did not refer to his sister in that fashion, but he did not know her given name.
"Aunt Mary? I left her in the lobby. Did you want her too?"
There was a note of eagerness in the question.
"No!"
Silence. Mollie June stood waiting in the center of the room. The significance of her failure to approach her husband was unmistakable.
Then he said: "Would you very much mind if you should miss the theater to-night?"