“Oh, absolutely!” Susanna assented eagerly.  This was not the time to speak or think of the bridge club.

“And that was all,” finished Miss Perry, “except he said perhaps you would like to look at the plans of the orphanage.  Mr. Fairfax got them out to show to Mr. Thayer this afternoon.  I can get them for you.”

“Oh, thank you!  I do want to see them!” said Susanna, gratefully.  And she established herself comfortably by the open window, the orphanage plans, a stiff roll of blue paper, in her lap, her idle eyes following the noonday traffic in the street below.

What a shame to have to sit here doing nothing, to-day of all days, for nearly two hours!  Susanna thought.  Why, she could have met her luncheon guests, seen that the meal was at least under way, apologized in person, and then started for town.  As it was, they might be angry, and no wonder!  And these were her neighbors and very good friends, after all, the women upon whose good feeling half the joy of her country home and garden depended.  It was too bad!

She glanced at the blue-prints, but one of her sudden inspirations turned the page blank.  What time was it?  Ten minutes of twelve.  She referred to her new timetable.  Ten minutes of—­why, she could just catch the noon train, rush home, meet her guests, explain, and come back easily on the one o’clock.  But would it be wise?  Why not?

Her thoughts in a jumble, Susanna hastily gathered her small possessions together, moved to a decision by the always imperative argument that in a few minutes it would be too late to decide.

“Heavens!  I’m glad I thought of that!” she ejaculated, seating herself in the train as the noon whistles shrilled all over the city.  A moment later she was a trifle disconcerted to find the orphanage plans still in her hand.

“Well, this is surely one of my crazy days!” Susanna strapped the stiff sheets firmly to her handbag.  “I must not forget to take those back,” she told herself.  “Jim will ask for them the very first thing.”

Her house; when she reached it, seemed quiet, seemed empty.  Susanna crossed the porch, wondering, and encountered the maid.

“Emma!  Nobody come?”

“Sure you had the wrong day of it,” said Emma, beaming.  “Mrs. Harrington fomed about an hour ago, and she says ’tis next Saturday thin!”

“What do you mean?” said Susanna, sharply.

“‘Tis not to-day they’re comin’, Mrs. Fairfax—­”

“Nonsense!” Susanna said under her breath.  She flew to her desk and snatched up the scribbled card of engagements.  “Why, it’s no such thing!” she said indignantly.  “Of course it’s to-day!  October sixteenth, as plain as print.”  And with her eyes still on the card she reached for her desk telephone.