I would be helpful.

I might have been helpful and I may yet be helpful," conjugated Emma hopefully, "but not without a time table." "I appreciate your splendid spirit of helpfulness even though it isn't of any use at present," assured Grace satirically.

"I suppose--" A long reverberating ring of the bell cut short her remark.
The two friends exchanged questioning glances.
"It can't be one of the girls.

It's only eight o'clock," was Emma's quick comment.
Grace opened the door and listened intently.

Emma joined her, peering over her shoulder.