“Emberon, the home of your mother’s ancestors.” Her voice sounded unusually heavy. Nan looked around and immediately was all contrition, for Bess’s eyes were full of tears.
“Why, Bess, darling, forgive me. I’m nothing but a thoughtless old meany.” So saying, she wiped Bess’s tears away and sat down beside her.
Bess caught her lip between her teeth and shook her head as she fought for self-control. “I’m just an old silly myself,” she half apologized. “But I can hardly bear the thought of your going so far away from all of us for a whole summer. And it’s true you are going, Nan, as true as the fact that Walter Mason cut in on more than half your dances tonight.”
With this jibe, Bess’ eyes twinkled, and she felt better.
Nan blushed. “Oh, Bess, was it really so bad? I told him not to, but he said he was under orders to see that I didn’t get into any more scrapes.”
Bess laughed. “You dear! Of course, it was all right. We all danced with him—for a few seconds at least.”
Nan looked somewhat unconvinced. Walter, she felt, was paying her rather special attention these days and because she did like him, she hardly knew whether to be pleased or angry. She succeeded only in being embarrassed.
Now, a knock diverted her thoughts. She jumped up, but before she could open the door, two of her other companions at Lakeview Hall entered.
“May we come in?” It was pretty little Grace Mason speaking. After her followed Rhoda Hammond, her dark eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Oh, Grace, it was such a nice party!” Nan exclaimed enthusiastically as she placed chairs for the two visitors. “Your mother and dad are perfect peaches to have us all here tonight.”