Lowry proved to be a prophet; the Metten family, reduced to insignificance at Tryston, promptly entrained, and upon the morning of the second day, resumed the occupation of their five hundred dollar suite in Chicago.
While mamma was still scanning the society columns, in hope of a personal Metten mention, Phil phoned the Rountree office, inquiring not at all for Mr. Rountree but for Jay and his wife. The call was referred to Ellen, who replied that Jay was not in the office, though he was in the city.
"Certainly; I know it," said Phil. "His wife, too. Last night they were entertained at 999 Lake Shore Drive. But where are they stopping?" The paper had not supplied that item.
"When he comes to the office, I will tell him you have returned," said Ellen.
"Also with me Mrs. Metten and the Misses Metten," amplified Phil, employing proudly the phrase of the Tryston journal, describing his family; and he repeated several times the name of his hotel and its phone number.
Ellen talked, by long distance, with Mr. Rountree at Stanley; and a little later looked up to see Jay. She started with some corfusion, for he had happened to come in, silently, the door being open; previously she had had a little preparation for him.
"Good morning. My wife called me?" he asked, noticing but trying to ignore Ellen's agitation.
