"I must go," she said at length, "and there is scarcely time to get ready."
"Oh, mother!" cried Dorothy, "can't I come too?"
Mrs. Graham still seemed to be considering something else, and she merely answered, "No, dear," and went quickly upstairs.
Dorothy sank down on the sofa in a terribly injured mood. Nobody seemed to be thinking of her at all. And before she had got over the first brunt of this discovery her mother was back again ready to go, with her purse-bag and gloves in her hand.
Left in Charge
"Dorothy," she said, arranging her hat before the mirror of the overmantel, "you may choose any pudding you like, tell cook. Here are the keys"—she paused to throw a small bunch in Dorothy's lap. "Get out anything they want. And Dick won't be in till half-past one, tell her. And Dollie"—there was again that queer little catch in her voice—"it is possible Miss Addiscombe may call this afternoon. I have told Louisa to show her right into the drawing-room without telling her I am out, and come and find you. I want you to be very nice to her, and explain about the Merediths. Tell her I was obliged to go because they only gave me the place of meeting, and I have not their address. I shall be home as soon as possible, between four and five at latest, so do your best to keep her till I come back."
"Did you say Miss Addiscombe, mother?" said Dorothy dismally, yet a little comforted by having the keys, and with the thought of choosing the pudding, "I don't think she's likely to call."
"I said Miss Addiscombe," Mrs. Graham answered decidedly. "Do you understand what I wish you to do, Dollie?"
"Yes, mother," said Dorothy, subdued but mutinous.
Then she ran after her to the hall door.