Mrs. March excused herself and went out . In the porch stood Theodosia Stapp and a woman whom Mrs. March did not at first glance recognize -- a tall , aggressive-looking person , whose sharp black eyes darted in past Mrs. March and searched every corner of the hall before anyone had time to speak . `` Lawful heart ! '' puffed Mrs. Stapp , as she stepped in out of the biting wind . `` I 'm right out of breath . Mrs. March , allow me to introduce Mrs. Kent . We 're looking for Mrs. Baxter . She has run away , and we thought perhaps she came here . Did she ? '' `` She is in my sitting-room now , '' said Mrs. March quietly . `` Did n't I say so ? '' demanded Mrs. Kent , turning to Mrs. Stapp . She spoke in a sharp , high-pitched tone that grated on Mrs. March 's nerves . `` Does n't she beat all ! She slipped away this morning when I was busy in the kitchen . And to think of her walking six miles over here in this wind ! I dunno how she did it . I do n't believe she 's half as sick as she pretends . Well , I 've got my wagon out here , Mrs. March , and I 'll be much obliged if you 'll tell her I 'm here to take her home . I s ` pose we 'll have a fearful scene . ''
`` I do n't see that there is any call XXXXX a scene , '' said Mrs. March firmly .
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