“I did so wish to assure you in person of my great admiration for your wonderful book,” said she.  Martha Wallingford made no reply.  She had an expression of utter acquiescence in the admiration, also of having heard that same thing so many times, that she was somewhat bored by it.  She waited with questioning eyes upon Margaret’s face.

“And I wondered,” said Margaret, “if you would consider it too informal, if I ventured to beg you to be my guest at my home in Fairbridge next Thursday and remain the weekend, over Sunday.  It would give me so much pleasure, and Fairbridge is a charming little village and there are really many interesting people there whom I think you would enjoy, and as for them—!” Margaret gave a slight roll to her eyes—­“they would be simply overwhelmed.”

“I should like to come very much, thank you,” said Martha Wallingford.

Margaret beamed.  “Oh, my dear,” she cried, “I can not tell you how much joy your prompt and warm response gives me.  And—­” Margaret looked about her rather vaguely, “you are not alone here, of course.  You have a maid, or perhaps, your mother—­”

“My Aunt Susan is with me,” said Miss Wallingford, “but there is no use inviting her.  She hates going away for a few days.  She says it is just as much trouble packing as it would be to go for a month.  There is no use even thinking of her, but I shall be delighted to come.”

Margaret hesitated.  “May I not have the pleasure of being presented to your aunt?” she inquired.

“Aunt Susan is out shopping,” lied Miss Martha Wallingford.  Aunt Susan was clad in a cotton crepe wrapper, and Martha knew that she would think it quite good enough for her to receive anybody in, and that she could not convince her to the contrary.  It was only recently that Martha herself had become converted from morning wrappers, and the reaction was violent.  “The idea of a woman like this Mrs. Edes seeing Aunt Susan in that awful pink crepe wrapper!” she said to herself.  She hoped Aunt Susan was not listening, and would not make a forcible entry into the room.  Aunt Susan in moments of impulse was quite capable of such coups.  Martha glanced rather apprehensively toward the door leading into the bedroom but it did not open.  Aunt Susan was indeed listening and she was rigid with indignation, but in truth, she did not want to accompany her niece upon this projected visit, and she was afraid of being drawn into such a step should she present herself.  Aunt Susan did dislike making the effort of a visit for a few days only.  Martha had told the truth.  It was very hot, and the elder woman was not very strong.  Moreover, she perceived that Martha did not want her and there would be the complication of kicking against the pricks of a very determined character, which had grown more determined since her literary success.  In fact, Aunt Susan stood in a slight awe of her niece since that success, for all her revolts which were superficial.  Therefore, she remained upon her side of the door which she did not open until the visitor had departed after making definite arrangements concerning trains and meetings.  Then Aunt Susan entered the room with a cloud of pink crepe in her wake.