She was so surprised that she stood still by the door, and her whole face was suffused with blood. So much had this woman meant, did she still mean in Charmian's life, that even the habit of the world did not help Charmian to complete self-control at this moment.
"I'm afraid our coming has quite startled you," said Mrs. Shiffney. "Didn't Susan tell you we were going to look in?"
"Yes, of course. I'm delighted!"
Charmian moved. She was secretly furious with herself.
Max Elliot took her hand, and Mrs. Shiffney carelessly introduced the Senniers.
"What a dear little retreat you've found here, and how deliciously you've arranged everything," she said. "You've made a perfect nest for your genius. We are all longing to see him."
They were sitting now. Charmian was on a divan beside Madame Sennier.
"A clever man!" said Madame Sennier, decisively. "I met him once at the opera. You remember, Jacques, I told you what he said about your orchestration?"
"Yes, yes, about my use of the flutes in connection with muted strings and the horns to give the effect of water."
"I want Monsieur Sennier to know him," said Mrs. Shiffney.