There were just the five of them, Miss Sherwood, Maggie, Hunt, Dick, and Larry.

Miss Sherwood was as gracious as before, and she seemingly took Maggie's strained manner and occasional confusions as further proof of her genuineness.

Dick beamed at the impression she was making upon his sister.
As for Maggie, she was living through the climax of that afternoon's strain.

And she dared not show it.

She forced herself to do her best acting, sipping her tea with a steady hand.