Marjorie shrugged her shoulders, and turned to John in the hope of gaining some explanation of the mysterious messages that seemed to be flashing between Queenie and her mother, but was not rewarded with any information. So she gave it up, and entered light heartedly into the joyousness of the occasion.
When they had finished the salad course, Mrs. Wilkinson surprised Marjorie by announcing that dessert would be served in the living room.
“How funny, Mother!” commented Marjorie. “I know it’s quite the thing to serve coffee in another room, but I never heard of doing it with dessert. Has that become the fashion, since I was sick?”
“We’re starting the fashion tonight!” came the joking reply. “You lead the way, Marjorie.”
“But it’s all dark!” she exclaimed as she peeped through the curtains.
“Oh, so it is! Jack, run and make a light!”
He flashed on the electricity; to Marjorie’s amazement she beheld her whole scout troop, with the exception of Queenie, standing to receive her. An exclamation of delight and surprise burst from her lips; but before she could say anything Stella stepped forward and presented her with a huge bunch of American Beauty roses.
“Oh, this is wonderful!” she cried, sinking limply into the nearest chair. “I never had such a thrill in all my life!”
The maids began to bring in the ice cream and cake and after a minute or two of questions and explanations, the party proceeded more calmly. It was only after Mr. Richards’ arrival, a little later, that the real surprises began.
Queenie took charge of the ceremony. She began by rising and saluting her captain, in real scout fashion.