Mrs. Merwent wore a black tailored suit and a black and white hat. Her heavily figured veil was very becoming. As they were leaving the station Miss Storms in her car called out: “Lucy! Are you going to give me the dead cut, dear child? How are you?” and she descended from the automobile. “You’re looking fagged, dear,” she observed as she kissed Lucy. Then her eye caught Nannie’s. “This is my mother, Mrs. Merwent, Miss Storms,” Lucy explained. Nannie bowed stiffly, ignoring Miss Storms’ smile and half extended hand. Lucy showed that she was disturbed. Miss Storms stood very straight, drew herself up to her tallest, and kept one hand on the open door of her limousine. “How are John and dear little Dimmie?” she inquired. “And Jim Sprague too? I haven’t seen him for a month.” “Oh, we’re all well, thank you,” replied Lucy. “I would have been in to see you but I’ve been very busy since Mamma came.” “I can imagine so.” Miss Storms smiled impersonally. “I’m sure you are enjoying your mother’s visit.” Then, including Nannie, “How do you like Chicago, Mrs. Merwent?” “Very much indeed,” stated Nannie with great dignity. “By the way, Lucy, I’ve been wanting to see you, but I’ll call you up on the ’phone in a day or two.” Miss Storms then spoke in a general tone. “Can I take you two anywhere?” “No, thank you,” answered Lucy. “Well, good-bye, dear. Don’t work too hard,” and she pinched Lucy’s cheek. Again in the impersonal tone she had used a moment before, “Good-bye, Mrs. Merwent,” and Miss Storms returned to her seat in the car and snapped the door to, scarcely waiting to hear Nannie’s response. As the machine whirred away Miss Storms waved her hand to Lucy, who waved back with a smile. “Shall we walk, Mamma, or had you rather take a street car?” asked Lucy. “Lucy,” said Nannie, her voice trembling, “I shouldn’t think you’d have the face to introduce that woman to me!” “What could I do, Mamma?” retorted Lucy. “You could have ignored her. I should think that your mother would come before a mere acquaintance.” “But, Mamma, she’s not a mere acquaintance.” “Well, I should think a woman who was your mother’s enemy would hardly be the one to make an intimate of.” “She’s been very good to me, Mamma.” “Of course that excuses all she has done to me, Lucy. All you know is that she hates me and that is sufficient to make you idolize her.” “But, Mamma, I know lots about her. She is one of Papa’s friends and----” “Yes! That’s it! Anybody _he_ picks up on the street is good enough for you. Don’t think of _me_ or my feelings, I beg of you, Lucy. Anybody, no matter what her reputation----” “Mamma, Miss Storms is one of the most distinguished women in the United States. Here in Chicago her influence is greater than almost any man’s in public life. The whole city is proud of her.” “How do _you_ know all this?” “Why you only have to read the newspapers. Everybody knows it.” “Is she rich, Lucy?”