“Jimmie!”
He went up to her, and she whispered into his ear; then he turned to Norma.
“Your mother and Connie and Morland are upstairs. I don't suppose you are anxious to see them. May I tell them what has happened?”
Norma rose and joined him in the centre of the studio. “I would sooner tell them myself. Can they come down here?”
“If you wish it.”
He gave the order to Aline. Before going, she took him by the arm and swiftly glancing at Norma, asked eagerly:
“What has happened?”
“The wonder of wonders, dear,” said Jimmie.
With a glad cry she ran upstairs and brought down the visitors, who were waiting in the hall.
Jimmie stood by the open door to receive them. Norma retired to the far end of the studio. She held her head high, and felt astonishingly cool and self-possessed. Mrs. Hardacre entered first, and without condescending to look at Jimmie marched straight up to her daughter. Then came Connie and Aline, the girl excited, her arm round her friend's waist. Morland, on entering, drew Jimmie aside.