"I was sorry not to have been at home when you called, Miss Rexhill."
The two girls looked at each other, each carefully veiling hostility, Dorothy beneath a natural sweetness of disposition, and Helen with the savoir faire of social experience. Each felt and was stung by a realization of the other's points of advantage. Dorothy saw a perfection of well-groomed poise, such as she could hardly hope to attain, and Helen was impressed with her rival's grace and natural beauty.
"Won't you sit down?"
"But aren't we disturbing you?" Mrs. Purnell asked, with a glance toward the writing materials.
"Indeed, you are not. I was writing some duty letters to kill time. I'm only too glad to stop because I'm really in no writing mood and I am most anxious to hear what is going on outside. Isn't it dreadful about Mr. Wade?"
"You mean his helping Santry?" Dorothy asked, with a little touch of pride which did not escape her hostess.
"Partly that; but more because he is sure to be arrested himself. I've been terribly worried."
Dorothy glanced at her keenly and smiled.
"I have an idea that they may find Gordon hard to arrest," she remarked.
"Yes," Mrs. Purnell put in. "He is so popular. Still, I agree with you that there is every cause for anxiety." The good lady did not have a chance every day to agree with the daughter of a United States Senator, and the opportunity was not to be overlooked.