Page:At the Door (1905).pdf/34

 Marjorie looked surprised. "Why, I didn't see her at all!" she exclaimed. "I'm awfully sorry she got by."

"Yes," said the Dream. "It is too bad; and I suppose you haven't noticed that several have gone in while we've been talking."

"Oh, dear! Who?" asked Marjorie, in a discouraged tone.

"Well, there was Discontent, and Superstition, and Jealousy, and that cheat they call Righteous Indignation."

"But that isn't the least bit fair!" cried Marjorie, resentfully. "Some of those didn't have even the slightest excuse— Why, I don't even know them!"

"That doesn't make any difference," said the Dream. "They don't wait for an introduction. They are always hanging about, watching for a chance to slip in at an unguarded door. But you needn't worry about not knowing them; for you'll get acquainted fast enough, now."

Marjorie pressed her lips together; and just then a very determined-looking woman came up the steps. Marjorie challenged her rather sharply, for she was not in a very good humor; but as soon as she spoke, the woman threw