“She’s dressed in black,” replied the waiter.
“Have you ever seen her before?” inquired Mrs. Dainty.
“No, ma’am.”
“Is she genteel-looking? Has she the appearance of a lady?”
“She walks like a lady,” replied the discriminating waiter; “but her black is a little rusty.”
“Somebody that wants charity, I suppose,” said Mrs. Dainty, with a look of disgust and an impatient toss of the head. “Go down and say that I am engaged, but that she can send me word as to her business.”
The waiter retired. On coming back he said,—
“The woman wouldn’t tell me her business. She says she was desired to call by Mrs. Ashton, but that, if you are not prepared to see her, it is of no consequence.”
“Mrs. Ashton! Oh, yes; now I understand! Has she gone?”
The manner of Mrs. Dainty changed suddenly; and she made the inquiry with manifest eagerness.