And then and there the concert was arranged for.
"Miss Bright," said Mrs. Carmichael, "I am wondering how we ever got on without you."
Esther laughed a light-hearted, merry laugh.
"That's it," Kenneth hastened to say. "We 'got on.' We simply existed. Now we live."
"You are not complimentary to our friends. I protest," said Esther.
"You are growing chivalrous, Kenneth," said Mrs. Clayton. "I'm glad you think as we do. Miss Bright, you have certainly enriched life for all of us."
"Don't embarrass me," said Esther in a tone that betrayed she was a little disconcerted.
But now they were nearing their journey's end. The baying of hounds announced a human habitation. An instant later, the house was in sight, and the dogs came bounding down the road, greeting the party with vociferous barks and growls. Mr. Jamison followed, profuse in words of welcome.
As Kenneth assisted Esther from the wagon, he said: