Never had Rindy Crump’s old house witnessed such gayety as it did that evening. Every one seemed bound to give the hostess a good time. Jeremy Todd brought his ’cello, Dr. Rowe contributed his stock of funny stories, and Barry Hale did some imitations which convulsed every one. The surprise of the evening was when Ellen picked up Jeremy’s violin. He had left it with her earlier in the day, and he now accompanied her on the ’cello as she played a lively gavotte. She looked very charming as she stood in her simple white frock, with the violin tucked under her chin, and she had at least one adorer in Caro, who watched her ecstatically.
After the applause had died away Caro rushed forward. “Oh, Ellen,” she cried, “you never told me you could play the violin. How accomplished you are.”
Ellen laughed. “If you were but aware how little I do know, you would never call me accomplished. I knew a very little to begin with, and, as I have no violin of my own, I have had no chance to practise, but Mr. Todd has been good enough to instruct me in this one piece and has lent me his violin so I could do it.”
“Nevertheless it was a very creditable performance,” said the rector, coming up, “and has certainly added to the pleasure of the evening. Your party is a big success.”
Ellen felt that so far it was, but the refreshments were yet to be served, and she could not be quite happy till she was sure that these were all right. Time was passing, and it now was the hour when she must look to matters in the kitchen. Miss Rindy had promised not to interfere, so Ellen felt the entire responsibility, and was anxious. Suppose salt were to get into the ice-cream, or a bat had fallen into the punch! She voiced her fears to Caro as they left the front room together.
“You certainly have a lively imagination,” declared Caro. “I might have thought of the salt, but I never could have thought of the bat. Do you want me to serve the punch or just pass around things?”
“Mrs. Hale says she will serve the punch, so you and Sally can pass around. Mrs. Todd is going to help me with the ice-cream, and Lucilena is going to wash up the glasses and things.”
“I think you have managed everything wonderfully.”
“Don’t give me the credit; it is chiefly due to the neighbors, who have been so kind and helpful.”
Mrs. Todd and Mrs. Hale both had followed the girls into the kitchen. Lucilena had arrived, reporting that she had left Billy sound asleep.