That evening a jolly party gathered at the home of Fairfax Lee, Winnie’s father. Browning, Hodge, Starbright, Dashleigh, and Merriwell were there. Winnie and Inza, together with two girl friends, sought to entertain them. But one person was missing; and in vain they waited for Elsie Bellwood, who did not come.
Frank tried to conceal the agitated state of his feelings as best he could, and he succeeded so well that the others enjoyed themselves. Not till dinner-time came and passed and it was impossible to wait longer did Merry give up hope of Elsie’s arrival. At last he whispered to Winnie, telling her that it was useless to wait longer, and they went down to the dining-room, which was beautifully decorated with flowers and college flags and trophies.
Badger sat at the head of the table, and his beautiful little wife smiled at him from the foot. Inza was placed between Frank and Dick Starbright, Winnie having slyly whispered to Merry that he would have a fair chance to hold his own against the big freshman.
Winnie’s girl friends fell to Browning and Dashleigh. Bert was the soul of ease and politeness, but big, lumbering Bruce was restless and awkward, although he did his best to be entertaining.
Bart Hodge, alone, did not seem to enter fully and heartily into the spirit of the occasion, though it was evident that he did his best to make Badger and Winnie feel that all old animosities had been buried and forgotten.
In course of time the little party grew very merry, chatting of things that interested them, from football, baseball, rowing, and kindred sports, to ranch life and the glorious freedom of the plains and mountains. Badger was supremely happy. He seemed to radiate good nature.
“Look here, Hodge!” he exclaimed, suddenly shaking his finger at Bart, “be careful down there! That’s my wife! You and I have tried to lift each other’s scalps before this, but I’m willing to bury the hatchet if you don’t flirt too hard with Mrs. Badger.”
Hodge started a little, but Buck broke into a hearty laugh, and Bart smiled a little.
“Don’t mind him,” said Winnie. “I suppose you’ll marry, Mr. Hodge, when the golden opportunity offers, won’t you?”
“Well,” answered Bart deliberately, “that will depend on how much gold there is in the opportunity.”