"Say yes, dear, and I'll let you go—for a little while."
"Yes," said Vivian.
The ground jarred beside them, as a tall man jumped the hedge boundary. He stood a moment, staring.
"Well, is this my house, or Coney Island?" they heard him say. And then Morton swore softly to himself as Vivian left him and came out.
"Good evening, Dr. Hale," she said, a little breathlessly. "We weren't expecting you so soon."
"I should judge not," he answered. "What's up, anyhow?"
"The boys—and Mr. Dykeman—are giving a garden party for Mrs. St. Cloud."
"For whom?"
"For Adela St. Cloud. She is visiting us. Aren't you coming in?"