Cecil in entering noiselessly that moment caught the words clearly. He could not repress a quick glance at his wife.
He saw the pale face flush to hot, burning crimson one moment, then grow pale and sorrowful again as she put up one hand to shield its emotion from Mrs. Laurens’ cold eyes.
She was about to speak, but at that moment she caught the inquisitive glance of his eyes and the words died unuttered on her lips.
At that moment the loud ringing of the door-bell announced visitors. In a minute more the Barrys were announced.
Louise all in opera dress with diamonds on her neck and in her hair looked radiant. Mrs. Barry in gray satin and ostrich plumes was sulky.
“I shall be glad to get Louise married off my hands,” she exclaimed, tartly. “Here I am dragged out of the house every evening to balls and operas at my time of life until I am nearly dead. Mrs. Laurens, I think I shall have to ask you to chaperone my giddy niece!”
“Cruel Aunt Thalia!” cried Louise, affecting to take it all as a joke.
Then she caught sight of Molly, and after a moment’s hesitation sailed forward.
“My dear girl, and so you are well enough to be out at last,” she exclaimed, sweetly, holding out her jeweled hand.
Molly did not look at the offered hand, did not open her lips, did not even bend her head. She was looking at old Mrs. Barry who did indeed appear older and grayer than ever with new lines of care and age on her homely face.