Alice had scarcely reached her room when she found the dinner invitation. She felt a little thrill of triumph as she read it. Her maid explained that the note had been laid in the morning with Mrs. De Castro's letters.
Late in the evening Kimberly came over with his sister-in-law, Imogene. The De Castros were at the seashore overnight and the visitors' cards were sent up to the MacBirneys. It was warm and the party sat on the south veranda. Kimberly talked with Alice and she told him they hoped to be present at his dinner.
"You are sure to be, aren't you?" he asked. "The evening is given for you."
"For us?"
"No, not for 'us,' but for you," he said distinctly. "Mr. MacBirney has said he is fond of the water--you like music; and I am trying something for each of you. I should have asked you about your engagements before the cards went out. If there is any conflict the date can easily be recalled."
"Oh, no. That would be a pity."
"Not at all. I change my arrangements when necessary every ten minutes."
"But there isn't any conflict, and I shall be delighted to come. Pray, how do you know I like music?"
"I heard you say so once to Arthur De Castro. Tell me what you are amused about?"
"Have I betrayed any amusement?"