Everybody seemed interested in the unwrapping. They were simple gifts, but Miss Lily fingered them lovingly, even to the plainest little card.
The telephone called Blue into the next room. He returned almost at once.
"Mr. Randolph," he said, "some one wishes to talk with you."
They were rising from the table as the president came back.
"I am sorry to say good-bye so early," he told them; "but a New York man is waiting to see me on important business and has to return home on the 11.45 train. So I must get down to him as soon as possible."
He came over to Juanita Sterling with a little rueful smile.
"I hoped to have the pleasure of taking you home, but—" He shook his head. "We'll make up for it in a day or two," he finished blithely.
Her eyes met his. Something she saw there sent a warm flush to her cheeks, and she looked away.
"You will hear from me soon." He held out his hand. "Thank you for giving me so much enjoyment this evening—good-night."
That was all. Simple courtesy, Juanita Sterling told herself two hours later; but now—her heart was filled with a quivering joy that was almost pain.