In reality there were only three--Lucy, her mother, and Rose.
When Rose had rung the door-bell she had been surprised by what sounded like a mad rush to answer her ring.

Mrs.Ayres opened the door.

She looked white and perturbed, and behind her showed Lucy's face, flushed and angry.
"I knew it was Miss Fletcher; I told you so, mother," said Lucy, and her low, sweet voice rang out like an angry bird's with a sudden break for the high notes.
Mrs.Ayres kept her self-possession of manner, although her face showed not only nervousness but something like terror.
"Good-afternoon, Miss Fletcher," she said.

"Please walk in." "She said for me to call her Rose," cried Lucy.

"Please come in, Rose.