Fairbridge ladies were renowned for punctuality, especially at a meeting like this, and in any case, had one been late, she would never have rung the bell.

She would have tapped gently on the door, the white-capped maid would have admitted her, and she, knowing she was late and hearing the hollow recitative of Miss Bessy Dicky's voice, would have tiptoed upstairs, then slipped delicately down again and into a place near the door.
But now it was different.

Lottie opened the door, and a masculine voice was heard.

Mrs.Slade had a storm-porch, so no one could look directly into the hall.
"Is Mrs.Slade at home ?" inquired the voice distinctly.

The ladies looked at one another, and Miss Bessy Dicky's reading was unheard.
They all knew who spoke.