Carmelita had turned Rao-Singh's check over to Mrs. Peabody and Mrs. Hurd, who were far too rapt up in their mission to notice and would have been too reserved anyway to comment upon their hostess' hasty arrival and agitated condition. Carmelita managed a smile and listened politely to their inconsequential comments about the Fête and its success.
"You and Prince Rao-Singh deserve a large share of the credit," declared Mrs. Peabody, and Carmelita winced at this coupling of their names.
"And Mr. Church tells me that Mr. Drake, your husband, was of great value in the accounting," chimed Mrs. Hurd. Poor Dudley!
Carmelita offered them tea and was glad when they refused, though they lingered on several endless minutes. Under ordinary circumstances she would have been flattered by their evident desire to cultivate her and their pleasure in her company. But in her present state of mind she was fervently grateful when they picked up their wraps and sauntered,
