Deborah placed the big haircloth rocking-chair for the doctor's wife, and Mrs.Ray sat down on the sofa.
There was a silence.

The doctor's wife flushed red.

Mrs.Ray's sharp face was imperturbable.

Deborah, sitting erect in one of her best flag-bottomed chairs, looked as if she were alone in the room.
The doctor's wife cleared her throat.

"Mis' Thayer," she began.
Deborah looked at her with calm expectation.
"Mis' Thayer," said the doctor's wife, "Mis' Ray and I thought we ought to come over here this afternoon.