"Well, you stay for them if you like, Kit," said his sister, rising. "I'm going to take these girls away. They've danced quite enough, and it's time they went home."
"Whither thou all goest, I will go also," said Cameron. "Where's
Harper?"
Kenneth and Dick Perry came along then, and both men expressed their willingness to go home.
Patty was rather silent during the homeward way, and indeed, as all were more or less weary, there was little gay conversation.
As they entered the house, Nora, the parlour-maid, appeared to take their wraps.
"Where is Babette?" asked Mrs. Perry, surprised to see Nora in place of her French maid.
"Sure she's sick, Mrs. Perry; she do be feelin' that bad, she had to go to bed. So she bid me do the best I can for the young ladies."
"I'm sorry to hear Babette is ill; I must go and see her at once." And
Mrs. Perry went away toward the servants' quarters.
She returned shortly, saying Babette had a bad cold and a slight fever, but that her symptoms were not alarming.
"But I'm sorry you girls can't have her services to-night," Mrs. Perry went on.