Carter looked at her gravely. "Was there a subtle suggestion in that last clause? Did it hint of my being something of a sleep inducer, a Mrs. Winslow's soothing syrup?"
"Take it as you please," said Mrs. Roberts teasingly.
"Mr. Pinckney and I will flock together," said Carter, "if things get too desperate. There comes the first instalment of guests now. Get to your places, you befrocked people and let me escape while I can, or I shall be taken for the head waiter." He stepped through the long window leading upon the veranda as Miss Dolores took her place before the tea urn, Mary Lee her willing satellite.
Soon the murmur of voices filled the rooms and the girls were kept busy in their various tasks. At last there was a lull and Nan slipped out upon the veranda. Carter beckoned to her. "I want you to come here," he said. "I observe a tired expression upon your expressive countenance. I want to show you something." He took her to the edge of the veranda. "Look over there under that little clump of trees," he directed.
Nan did as he suggested. "Why, it's Jack," she said. "Who is that with her?"
"You'll never guess," said Carter. Jack was sitting flat on the ground in front of a spick and span little lad. Both were engrossed in a game of mommely-peg which Jack played with as much dexterity as her companion.
"Who is the boy?" queried Nan.
"He came with his mother," said Carter. "I understand he was invited to meet the young ladies Corner, though he and Jack have met before under quite different circumstances."
The boy's back was toward Nan. She went around to the other side the better to see his face. "It can't be," she exclaimed turning to Carter.
"It is," he returned.