"I must go, dearest; it is time."
A ring at the bell below made her pause.
"Do you think that can be Mr. Vincent?" she said, pleasantly apprehensive. "It's not the right day, but one never knows."
A footman's figure entered.
"Mr. Baxter, my lady.... Is your ladyship at home?"
"Mr. Baxter—"
Mrs. Stapleton rose.
"Let me see him instead, dearest.... You remember ... from Stantons."
"I wonder what he wants?" murmured the hostess. "Yes, do see him, Maud; you can always fetch me if it's anything."
Then she was gone. Mrs. Stapleton sank into a chair again; and in a minute Laurie was shaking hands with her.