“I see,” said the doctor grimly. “In other words, you want your protégée to have fair play.”
“Just that,” Juliet answered, more gravely now. “I think lots of you, Roger, and well of you—you know I do—and yet——”
“And yet——”
“Let me guard my girl. She’s not like the others, and you and Louis are making it tremendously hard for her between you.”
“You seem to be planning to make it infinitely harder.”
Juliet shook her head. “Trust me, Roger, please.”
“All right, I will,” promised the doctor. “But just assure me that you’re on my side.”
“I’m on nobody’s side,” was all the comfort he got.
Juliet’s invitations received delighted acceptances, though Wayne Carey and Doctor Barnes would be able to come out only for the nights—in time, however, for late and festive suppers outdoors. The tent in the orchard, with its comfortable bunks, was accepted by all the men with enthusiasm.
“And to satisfy the men is the essential thing, you know, Tony,” Juliet had observed sagely when she saw their pleasure in their quarters. “The girls will accept any crowding together if they have a mirror and room to tie a sash in, as long as devoted admirers are not wanting.”