Billy and Caroline were the first to arrive,—Caroline 260 in pale floating green tulle, which accentuated the pure olive of her coloring, and transported Billy from his chronic state of adoration to that of an almost agonizing worship. Dick and Betty were next. He had realized the possible awkwardness of the situation for her, and had been thoughtful enough to offer to call for her. She was in defiant scarlet from top to toe, and had never looked more entrancing. Preston Eustace was to come in from Long Island where he was spending the holidays with a married sister. Michael received the guests and did the honors beamingly.
“Where’s Nancy?” Dick asked, as, divested of his outer garments, he appeared without warning in the presence of the lovers. “Don’t bother to drop her hand, Billy. I don’t see how you have the heart to, she’s so lovely to-night.”
“We don’t know where Nancy is,” Caroline answered for him. “It seems to be all right, though. She’s expected, Michael says.”
“Where’s Nancy?” Betty asked, in her turn, appearing on the threshold with every hair most amazingly in place.
“Coming,” Dick reassured her.
“Has anybody heard from her?” Betty asked.
“Michael has, I think.”
“You aren’t worried about her, are you?” Caroline asked.
“Yes, I am,” Betty said.