"Yes, father, why do you hesitate?" asked Carolina.
Senator Langdon mustered his voice into service at last.
"I've been thinking," he said, slowly, "that—"
"That your daughters did not know," interrupted Mrs. Spangler, "of our—"
"The telephone—upstairs—is ringing, madam," said a maid who had entered to Mrs. Spangler.
The adventuress could not leave the Senator and his daughters alone, though she knew it must be Peabody calling her. At any moment he might remember his speech and leave. Already late, he would still be later, though, because he would have no carriage—hers would purposely be delayed.
"Tell the person speaking that you are empowered to bring me any message—that I cannot leave the dining-hall," she said to the maid.
To gain time and to hold the Senator's attention, Mrs. Spangler asked, slowly:
"Well, Senator, what was it that you were going to say when I interrupted you a few moments ago?"
Langdon had been racking his brain for some inspiration that would enable him to save the feelings of his hostess, and yet indicate his position clearly. He would not commit himself in any way. He would jump up and pronounce her an impostor first.