“You were right, Hugh,” she informed me, almost with enthusiasm, “they did seem lonely.  And they were so glad to see me, it was rather pathetic.  Mr. Scherer, it seems, had talked to them a great deal about you.  They wanted to know why I hadn’t come before.  That was rather embarrassing.  Fortunately they didn’t give me time to talk, I never heard people talk as they do.  They all kissed me when I went away, and came down the steps with me.  And Mrs. Scherer went into the conservatory and picked a huge bouquet.  There it is,” she said, laughingly, pointing to several vases.  “I separated the colours as well as I could when I got home.  We had coffee, and the most delicious German cakes in the Turkish room, or the Moorish room, whichever it is.  I’m sure I shan’t be able to eat anything more for days.  When do you wish to have them for dinner?”

“Well,” I said, “we ought to have time to get the right people to meet them.  We’ll ask Nancy and Ham.”

Maude opened her eyes.

“Nancy!  Do you think Nancy would like them?”

“I’m going to give her a chance, anyway,” I replied....

It was, in some ways, a memorable dinner.  I don’t know what I expected in Mrs. Scherer—­from Maude’s description a benevolent and somewhat stupid, blue-eyed German woman, of peasant extraction.  There could be no doubt about the peasant extraction, but when she hobbled into our little parlour with the aid of a stout, gold-headed cane she dominated it.  Her very lameness added to a distinction that evinced itself in a dozen ways.  Her nose was hooked, her colour high,—­despite the years in Steelville,—­her peculiar costume heightened the effect of her personality; her fire-lit black eyes bespoke a spirit accustomed to rule, and instead of being an aspirant for social honours, she seemed to confer them.  Conversation ceased at her entrance.

“I’m sorry we are late, my dear,” she said, as she greeted Maude affectionately, “but we have far to come.  And this is your husband!” she exclaimed, as I was introduced.  She scrutinized me.  “I have heard something of you, Mr. Paret.  You are smart.  Shall I tell you the smartest thing you ever did?” She patted Maude’s shoulder.  “When you married your wife—­that was it.  I have fallen in love with her.  If you do not know it, I tell you.”

Next, Nancy was introduced.

“So you are Mrs. Hambleton Durrett?”

Nancy acknowledged her identity with a smile, but the next remark was a bombshell.

“The leader of society.”

“Alas!” exclaimed Nancy, “I have been accused of many terrible things.”