neighbourly, and come!"

Nan hesitated; but the lure of the well-dressed company, so thoroughly at
ease with one another, was irresistible in the reaction. She accepted.




XI


The Keiths arrived to find the Morrells' informal party in full blast. The
front parlour was filled with a number of people making a great noise. Out
of the confusion Mrs. Morrell arose and came to them, as they stood where
the China-man had abandoned them.

"Mimi" Morrell was a tall woman, not fat, but amply built, with a full bust
and hips. Her hair was of the peculiar metallic golden blond that might or
might not have been natural; her skin smooth and white, but coarse in
grain, would look better at night than by daylight. Her handsome, regular
features were rather hard and set in their expression when in absolute
repose, but absolute repose was rare to them. In action they softened to a
very considerable feminine allurement. She moved with decision, and
possibly her general attitude smacked the least bit of running things. She
gave the impression of keeping an eye open for everything going on about
her. To Nan she seemed tremendous, overwhelming, and a little magnificent.

Immediately, without introductions, the whole party moved through the
double doors into the dining-room. There they took their places at a table
set out lavishly with food and drink in great quantity. Mrs. Morrell