Sunday noon
Mrs. Merrick was in the seventh heaven of ecstatic delight ; Uncle John declared his three girls were sure to become shining lights , if not actual constellations , wherever they might be placed ; Major Doyle growled and protested ; but was secretly pleased to have `` our Patsy the captain of the dress parade , '' where he fondly imagined she outclassed all others . All former denunciations of society at large were now ignored , even by unimpressive Beth , and the girls soon became deeply interested in their novel experiences . Arthur Weldon sulked at home , unhappy and undecided , for a day or two after the reception . Sunday noon he dispatched a messenger to Diana with a note saying he would be unable to keep his appointment with her that afternoon . Then he went straight to the Merrick home and sent his card to Louise . The girl flushed , smiled , frowned , and decided to go down . No one had ever interested her so much as Arthur Weldon .