“He oughtn’t to give me anything more. The ring takes my breath away, as Phil did last night. Do you think I’m silly, Cathalina?”
“No, Lilian. It would be dreadful, with Phil thinking so much of you, if you could not care for him.”
“I wish old Hilary were here. I wrote her a tiny note this morning, before you came.”
“She ought to be at the family dinner, too, but I imagine it won’t be many years before she will. Campbell was struck with her that very time. We shall miss Campbell. I suspect that he is on his way to Cincinnati now. But I suppose you know all about their plans.”
“Hilary and I are very confidential, of course, but Hilary is shy about her love affair, and does not say much about Campbell. She writes him a long letter every week, though, and I think he writes oftener.”
Mrs. Van Buskirk came alone to call on Lilian and her mother that very afternoon. She was sweet and motherly to Lilian, and expressed her pleasure in the arrangement. The entire North family were invited to the family dinner at the Van Buskirk’s on Christmas evening, but Mrs. North felt uncertain about herself and the judge, for Christmas was a home day to Judge North. Lilian promised to be there, and Mrs. Van Buskirk told her laughingly that indeed she could not help herself, for Philip would be after her. Richard would speak for himself later.
The North home was well decorated these vacation days, for Philip either brought or sent flowers every day. Mrs. North insisted that Lilian’s health would be undermined by the extravagant boxes of candy which came, and new music, both classic and “rag-time,” found its place upon Lilian’s piano. Such a happy time it was. Philip accompanied Lilian, or at the Van Buskirk’s Cathalina accompanied them both, or Lilian played a violin obligato while Philip sang and Cathalina was at the piano.
On the night of the customary Christmas gathering, Philip drove over early for the Norths. The judge had concluded to go. “We might as well get acquainted with the relatives, Mother,” said he. Lilian had been at home with them for the day, and Philip had been over only once, bringing another little tribute early in the morning and saying his “Merry Christmas” to them all. Judge North stated once or twice that they were going to miss Philip as much as Lilian when the vacation ended. “Philip is getting to be a habit,” said he. The most fragrant pink roses of all that Philip had sent came for Lilian to wear to the family dinner.
They found the Van Nesses there when they arrived. Little Charlotte, older but just as pretty and spoiled, seized upon Philip at once and was greatly taken with Lilian. “Are you one of our cousins?” she asked.
“She is going to be, Charlotte,” replied Philip for Lilian. “Sit here between us and I’ll tell you about it.”