“No,” he told her, “she couldn’t.”
She persisted, “I am sure you didn’t want her to miss the ball.”
“I did my best to get her here. Talked to her at long distance, but she couldn’t see it.”
“You are so good-hearted, Ricky.”
Frederick could be cruel at moments, and her persistence was irritating. “Oh, look here, Adelaide, it wasn’t entirely on her account. I want her here myself.”
She sat motionless, her eyes on her plate. When she spoke again it was of other things. “Did you hear that Delafield is coming back?”
“Who told you?”
“Eloise Harper. Benny’s sister saw Del at Miami. She is sure he is expecting to marry the other girl.”
“Bad taste, I call it.”
“Everybody is crazy to know who she is.”