Mrs. Wilbur looked back into the hall from the piazza before she stepped into the motor. Diana was already dancing with Philip Barrison. She watched their smooth movements for a minute, then turned to Mrs. Lowell who had just emerged with her boy.
"This—this gathering, this settlement here, seems rather like a family party, doesn't it?" she said, with a sort of troubled curiosity.
"Yes; nearly all of these people have known each other for many summers."
"I feel a little strange to go and leave Diana."
"I don't think you need," replied Mrs. Lowell.
"I suppose," said Mrs. Wilbur, "if the steed were going to be stolen, it would have happened before this. The stable door has been open for weeks."
"Quite so," said Mrs. Lowell, laughing. "It is so light, Bert and I are going to walk up to the Inn."
"I am going to send the car back for Diana in one hour," declared Mrs. Wilbur. Her daughter's theories were all very well, but this was a distractingly beautiful night and the echoes of that marvelous voice were even yet thrilling her own nerves. Léonie was sitting at the front of the car with Bill Lindsay, and Mrs. Wilbur mounted into the back seat with Miss Burridge.
"I suppose Miss Veronica will return with my daughter," she said.
"I only hope so," returned Miss Burridge resignedly. "Mr. Kelly has promised to see to her."