Mr. Barrett grunted his disbelief.
“I give you four days,” said Mr. Jernshaw.
As a matter of fact, Mrs. Prentice and her daughter came on the fifth. Mr. Barrett, who was in an easy-chair, wooing slumber with a handkerchief over his head, heard their voices at the front door and the cordial invitation of his housekeeper. They entered the room as he sat hastily smoothing his rumpled hair.
“Good afternoon,” he said, shaking hands.
Mrs. Prentice returned the greeting in a level voice, and, accepting a chair, gazed around the room.
“Nice weather,” said Mr. Barrett.
“Very,” said Mrs. Prentice.
“It’s—it’s quite a pleasure to see you again,” said Mr. Barrett.
“We thought we should have seen you before,” said Mrs. Prentice, “but I told Louisa that no doubt you were busy, and wanted to surprise her. I like the carpet; don’t you, Louisa?”
Miss Prentice said she did.