She yearned to embrace them—to claim them then and there as “mother,” and “sister:” but, of course, she knew that such advances must come from them—that it would be out of place for her to take the initiative, and she was bitterly disappointed and hurt when they simply clasped her hand for an instant, in a dignified and formal, though perfectly courteous manner, and then dropped it. Dr. Winthrop saw the light die out of her lovely eyes at this cool reception, and his right hand suddenly clenched with the feeling of hot displeasure and resentment that swept over him. But by no other sign did he betray that he understood their attitude toward his wife. He saw, however, that they were impressed by Salome’s beauty—that they could find no fault with her manner and bearing; but, all the same, he knew that they did not intend to commit themselves to her in any way, until they should become acquainted with her whole history. Their greeting had been perfectly courteous—there could be no fault found with it on the score of politeness. It was strictly in accordance with all accepted forms of etiquette and the dignity of a Winthrop; and if the girl should prove to be worthy, in point of birth and position, to be received as a daughter and sister of the house, it would be easy enough, later, to open their arms more cordially to her. But if, on the other hand, they found that she was not all that was desirable in a mate for the wealthy and aristocratic scion of the Winthrops, they could still keep her at a distance without compromising themselves in any way, or having anything to regret. Salome also was quick to discern all this, but, though she was deeply hurt, she was Truman Winthrop’s wife and the mistress of his home, and it behooved her, for his sake, to receive his friends in a proper manner, without regard to her own feelings. With inimitable tact and grace she ignored their formal greeting and, lifting a smiling face to them, said, with charming hospitality: “Dear Madame and Miss Winthrop, you must be weary from your voyage—let me call my maid to assist in removing your wraps; then, as dinner is ready, will you not waive all ceremony and come at once to the table with us, and not wait to make your toilet?” and she touched an electric button near her, while she spoke, to summon Nellie. Dr. Winthrop shot a look of grateful pride and love at her, and she felt more than repaid for the effort that she had made to overcome her wounded feelings. Madame Winthrop, however, never allowed herself to be outdone or taken unaware; and, as Nellie appeared upon the scene, she calmly unfastened her wrap, remarking with cool courtesy: “Thank you, Mrs. Winthrop, but we knew my son’s dinner hour, and came prepared to dine with him,” and as their wraps were given into the hands of the maid, Salome saw that they were in full dinner dress. But her blood tingled to her finger-tips at those last significant words, “to dine with him.”