"'Pon my word," said Frank Russel, "I wasn't prepared for such a demonstration. Quite a presidential reception!"
When Clayton came to the steps and dismounted, a dozen sprang eagerly forward to take his horse, and in the crowding round for a word of recognition the order of the procession was entirely broken. After many kind words, and inquiries in every direction for a few moments, the people quietly retired, leaving their master to his own enjoyments.
"You really have made quite a triumphal entry," said Nina.
"Dulcimer always exhausts himself on all such occasions," said Anne, "so that he isn't capable of any further virtue for two or three weeks."
"Well, take him while he is in flower, then!" said Russel. "But how perfectly cool and inviting you look. Really, quite idyllic! We must certainly have got into a fairy queen's castle!"
"But you must show us somewhere to shake the dust off of our feet," said Clayton.
"Yes," said Anne, "there's Aunt Praw waiting to show you your room. Go and make yourselves as fascinating as you can."
In a little while the gentlemen returned, in fresh white linen suits, and the business of the tea-table proceeded with alacrity.
"Well, now," said Anne, after tea, looking at her watch, "I must inform the company that we are all engaged to the opera this evening."
"Yes," said Nina, "the Magnolia Grove Opera House is to be opened, and the Magnolia Troubadour Troupe to appear for the first time."