Nan bewildered, uncertain, suffered him to pilot her round the corner, wondering how much he knew, and trying to adjust herself to this new situation. A car that she recognized as the Pembrokes’ stood at the curb.
“Oh, come right along, Nan; there’s no use saying you won’t!” cried Mamie Pembroke.
The Pembrokes were among those who had dropped her after she became identified with the Kinneys, and her rage at Copeland was mitigated by their cordiality.
“Hello, Mamie! What on earth do you want with me!”
“Oh, it’s a lark; one of this crazy Eaton man’s ideas.”
Nan knew that she had been recognized by many people, and that even if Copeland had not made a fool of himself the elopement was now out of the question. She felt giddy and leaned heavily on Eaton’s arm as he helped her into the car.
“You were alone, weren’t you, Nan?” Eaton asked as the machine started.
“Yes,” she faltered, settling back into a seat beside Mrs. Pembroke.
“Then we’d better stop at your house so Mr. Farley won’t be troubled about you.”
As she had not meant to return at all, it seemed absurd to go back now to say that she was going to a settlement house entertainment and would be home in an hour or so. The telltale letter could hardly have been found yet and she must dispose of it immediately. The car whirled round to the Farleys’ and Nan let herself in with her key.