"I never saw you look as pretty as you do to-day, in your whole life," said Mrs. Fabian, gazing as she spoke.
The girl laughed from sheer satisfaction. "Is the big head so becoming?" she returned.
"I saw Phil taking Mr. Tremaine over to the studio," said Mrs. Fabian. "Edgar said this morning he wanted to bring Violet to dinner. He will be surprised to find Mr. Tremaine here. We shall have quite a party. I hope they won't all be late. If Phil and Mr. Tremaine get to talking over at the studio they won't know what time it is."
The air at the island, however, was of a nature to create an inner monitor which called to dinner, so the two couples soon approached from opposite directions. Mr. Tremaine and Phil were talking busily as they came, and Kathleen noted Violet's crimson heart while she drew near. She gazed questioningly at her brother whose alert happy face turned red as he met her eyes; but Violet was self-possessed when Kathleen greeted her.
"Pardon my remaining enthroned, Violet," she said. "I'm not precisely wasting steps to-day."
"I heard about it," returned the guest, coming up the steps and meeting Mrs. Fabian. "I do hope it's nothing serious."
"No, indeed. I shall soon forget it."
"I suppose neither of you will have a chocolate before dessert, but they're very very good." Violet opened the box temptingly as she took a seat beside Kathleen.
"Who is that coming with Phil?" asked Edgar.