Miss Partridge seated herself in the living room, and Catherine, after a glance at Letty, and a moment of search for the tie Charles wished, sat down opposite her. She was charming to look at, Catherine realized; a soft, fawn colored suit, exquisitely tailored over her slender, sloping shoulders; a long brown wing across the smart fawn hat, a knot of orange at her throat. She drew off her wrinkled long gloves, and revealed a heavy topaz on her little finger.
"Your work, Mrs. Hammond? You are finding it interesting?"
"Very." Catherine felt as expansive as an exposed clam.
"Mr. Hammond was saying you had some kind of educational research in hand."
"Yes." Was that Letty, crying? Charles came in, rubbing his sleeve over his hat.
"I don't need glad rags, do I, since you aren't in evening dress?"
"No gladder than those." Miss Partridge rose.
Catherine stood at the living room door, listening for the sound of the elevator. Charles came rushing back.
"You're sure you'll be all right?" That was his little flicker of contrition. "I don't like to leave you this way, but the tickets might as well be used."
"Have a good time." Catherine kissed him lightly.
"Wish it was you, going!" He was in fine fettle again, offering a small oblation before his departure.
Letty woke, complaining that she wanted a drink. Catherine sat beside her, smoothing the silky fair hair, until she slept again. Her forehead didn't feel so parched. But Catherine went to the telephone and called Henrietta. Bill answered.
"Oh, Catherine! Henry got your message. She had to stop at the hospital first. She'll be in. Is Letty really sick?"
"I hope not. But I need Henrietta's assurance."
"I think Daddy ought to stay home if you have to," he said, frowning.
"Daddy isn't any use if the children are sick," announced Marian, with dignity. "Is he, Muvver?"
"Not as a nurse," said Catherine. "But he's a great comfort to me, you know."
"Just being." Catherine smiled at him. Spencer had a curious way of reaching out, thrusting fine feelers about him, investigating subtleties of relationship. He was staring at her intently, as if he pondered her last words. Then with a sigh, postponing judgment, he closed his book.
"My home work's all done, and I did it alone, because Letty is sick. Is that a comfort to you, Mother?"