Mother fell for her hard. I nearly
passed away when I peeked through that shutter the first time. Mother!
She's the best of the bunch, though. But they're all having a perfectly
grand time. New interest for middle-age--what?"
"Don't be cruel. Heavens, how hot they all looked! I could hear them gasp.
Hope their arteries are all right. Are they going to stay to lunch?"
"No. There's a big one on in Burlingame. Mother's not going, though. It's
at that Mrs. Cutts', new Burlingame stormer, that Anne Montgomery coaches
and caters for and who gives wonderful entertainments. Mother and Aunt
Susan won't go, but nearly all the others do."
"Anne Montgomery. I haven't seen her since mother died."
"You look as if an idea had struck you. She's useful no end, they say; is
now a social secretary to a lot of new people, and sells the 'real lace'
and other superfluous luxuries of some of our old families for the cold
coin that buys comforts."
"Fine idea. But I'm glad your mother will be alone. I've come down to have
a talk with her."
"Thanks. I'll take the hint."
CHAPTER XIV
I
Alexina went up to Joan's room to remain until the gong sounded for
luncheon, when she drifted down innocently and kissed the somewhat
furtive-looking Maria, who was in chaste duck and fresh from a bath.
"So glad to see you, darling," she murmured almost effusively. "I hope you
haven't waited long.
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