Mrs. Wylie laughed.
“I wonder if that does make a difference.�
“Certainly, and is it not a moral duty to cultivate beauty in the race?�
CHAPTER IX
A NEW DEVELOPMENT
True to her promise, Mrs. Wylie called the following afternoon at the small room she had learned to designate as Number Nineteen, and invited Mrs. Lucien to accompany herself and Mr. Wylie to the Lyceum.
Mrs. Lucien’s pale face flushed slightly, and an eager, pleased look came for a moment into her eyes, then she shook her head.
“You are very kind, Mrs. Wylie, but you forget—that I never go out.�
“I know you should go. You are growing as pale as a calla, shut up here so closely. You owe it to yourself and little Dolores here, to go whenever you can. Besides, I have quite set my heart upon having you with us, and I am supposed to always have my own way,� she added playfully. “I want some one along who can enjoy a good lecture, if I cannot, and Mr. Wylie thinks Dr. Lyman a very fine speaker. I am sure you will reconsider your answer and go with us.�
“But, your husband—I am afraid—�
“Will be delighted. In fact, he first proposed your going,� said the other, feeling that Mrs. Lucien was yielding. “You shall bring little Dolores to our rooms and Tibby will look after her with Robert. She’ll be sure to enjoy it, for Tibby is a rare entertainer. Robert is quite happy with her.�