Mrs. Bentley was a sprightly little woman of about Mrs. Sterling’s age, too thin for beauty, but with an expressive, interesting face. From her it was evident, Ronald inherited his heavy eyebrows and deep-set grey eyes. Mr. Bentley was expansive and much at home with Mr. Tyson, with whom he was associated in the business in which the larger part of Madam LeRoy’s fortune consisted. Ronald had been included in the invitation, for the sake of the young people, who betook themselves to a corner of the porch where cozy seats and a small table looked inviting. It was a warm, September evening and every one was pleased when Munson the dignified, himself brought out iced lemonade and delicate glasses.
This done, he hastened to the hall, for another car came rolling in to bring the other guests, a Judge and Mrs. Hays. In them Ann was not so much interested, though it may have been largely because they had no young and fascinating son! Ann was not so much different from other girls of her age, after all. She and Suzanne, Maurice and Ronald were having a merry time of it, while the older folk renewed acquaintance.
“Say, Maury, if the girls go to Florida, as you suggested, we’ll take a run down in the old boat, or the yacht, in the Christmas vacation.”
“Sure thing.”
“But Father is coming at Christmas time, Maury,” Ann objected. “I’d love to go to Florida, but I haven’t the faintest notion that I can.”
“Ann,” said Suzanne, “if you and I don’t go with our respective parents to the land of flowers, I’ll give you the biggest box of chocolates that Maurice can find for me,——”
“And pay for,” added her brother, knowingly.
“Of course. What are brothers for?”
“Do you really think so?” dubiously queried Ann. “How could it be managed, with school, and father’s coming, and all?”
“Oh, school!” exclaimed Suzanne. “That could be fixed, and as far as your father is concerned, I overheard Grandmother say to Mother that she thought Uncle Sterling would go too. Perhaps you’d better not say anything about it, Ann. Maybe they mean to surprise you. I didn’t think of that.”