She sent up her name by the servant.

In about five minutes, Mrs.Markle descended to the parlor, where her visitor was awaiting her, and met her in a reserved and formal manner, that was altogether unlike her former cordiality.

It was as much as Mrs.
Comegys could do to keep from retiring instantly, and without a word, from the house.

But she compelled herself to go through with what she had begun.
Mrs.Markle did, indeed, offer her hand; or rather the tips of her fingers; which Mrs.Comegys, in mere reciprocation of the formality, accepted.

Then came an embarrassing pause, after which the latter said-- "I see that I was not mistaken in supposing that there was a marked coldness in your manner at our last meeting." Mrs.Markle inclined her head slightly.
"Of course there is a cause for this.