Helen slipped her arm through that of the grey-haired lady, and they walked away together.
Philip detained Patty as she was about to follow.
“Well, I don’t! Be careful what you say before her, and we must get away as soon as we can.”
“Nothing particular. Only, don’t let Helen persuade you to stay all the afternoon. It’s nearly three now, and we must get away by four, at latest.”
“All right, Phil, but I never knew you to look so scared. Why?”
“Don’t fuss, Patty; go ahead and join the crowd; but remember not to answer personal questions.”
Patty wondered what had come over Philip’s mind, but she thought no more about it, rather glad than otherwise, that he was determined to go home so early.
They crossed the big foyer, and across a chair there, was a fur stole of Patty’s which she had left there in case of need while in the house. She picked it up, exclaiming: “Why, here’s my fur! I might have forgotten it!”
“Lend it to me, won’t you, if you’re not wearing it?” asked Mrs. Doremus. “I feel a bit chilly,—but, perhaps you do too?”
“Oh, no; I’m warm as toast. Use it, by all means. Let me put it round you.”
Patty draped the long stole round the shivering shoulders, and Mrs. Doremus said, apologetically, “I’m not really cold, but I take precaution for fear of rheumatism.”
“Certainly,” Patty acquiesced, and then the coffee tray was brought and Patty did the honours.
“One, please; and may I be excused for a few moments? I’ve just thought of an order I meant to give, and the gaiety of our little party made me forget it. I don’t mind if my coffee gets a little cool,—I like it better so.”
Mrs. Doremus went off toward the housekeeping quarters, and the others made merry over their coffee cups.
“I don’t see why you want to start right off, Philip,” Helen demurred. “I think it’s going to stop snowing just about now.”
“Do you, my child?” said Van Reypen, serenely; “be that as it may, we stand not on the order of our going, but go at once,—instanter,—immejit,—all-in-a-hurry,—so soon as your coffee is despatched.”
“Yours not to put that direct question. Yours not to make remarks. Yours but to get into your befurments and hie away to town.”
“I’m not at all sure we can make it,” said Herron, pouring himself another cup of the rich brown beverage.