As evening approached, Marcia grew more and more out of temper and caused her mother to have a fit of hysterical tears-fatigued by her labors in preparing this spoiled daughter for her elaborate coming-out party, Mrs. Thomaston was chagrined by Marcia’s rudeness and utter contempt for the trouble she had taken.
At last the hour came for the party to leave. Mr. and Mrs. Thomaston and Marcia, stunningly attired, left their apartment and descended in the elevator to the street, where their two town cars awaited them.
Marie also followed, for she had been given the evening off and, bidding them a cordial au revoir, got into a taxi waiting nearby and was soon driven off.
The parents got into the black limousine ahead, the younger chauffeur bowing them in politely, Marcia entered the Cadillac behind.
The limousine started and drove off in the direction of the Waldorf-Astoria; but Marcia noted that her chauffeur, who had his coat collar turned up in the shadows-for he had neglected to put on his partition lights-did not follow the lead.
Taking the speaking tube in her gloved hand, she impatiently said, “What are you waiting for, Henry?”
“Nothing, miss… just a moment…
“Well, be quick about it!”
“Yes, miss-we’re off now.”
Strange-his voice, coming back to her over the apparatus, did not quite ring true-Oh well, it must be her nerves; she was irritated at the whole affair;