“He doesn’t know it, but I feel that he will consider it an opportunity, and if he comes to New York on his vacation, I’ll have him meet my father and his friend.”
“Is your other sister coming to spend Christmas with you? Lilian said that no one had mentioned it, nor answered her questions about it.”
“We have been so busy that I judge Mother hasn’t written very fully to anybody, and I have not written at all. No, it is too far to bring the kiddies in cold weather, and there is a little baby this year.”
Philip, meanwhile, was making arrangements to see as much as possible of Lilian during the vacation. “I don’t know how many family parties they are arranging for this time,” Philip was saying, “but unless you are invited, too, I don’t expect to be among those present. Now, have you any special plans for your time?” Philip was watching the traffic, but his voice was eager.
“No, I haven’t, Philip, except to be with Father and Mother and Dick on Christmas Day, and go to church with them on Sundays.”
“Good. Now, could you let me take you to a lot of things that are going on? There is some music that I know you will enjoy. Suppose I come over this evening with the ‘program,’ and let you make the dates ahead.”
Lilian turned to look at Philip and met a glance that made her drop her eyes. “Do come, Phil,” she said, “I shall be delighted to see you.”
“I’m glad you didn’t say ‘we,’ Lilian,” replied Philip. “And I’d really like to carry you off somewhere tonight, for some ices and cake or something—anything, you know, so we can talk. After I’ve seen the family, of course. Are you too tired?”
“No, indeed. I think it’s lovely of you to want to make me have such a good time.”
“I’m not altogether unselfish, Lilian,” said Philip with a laugh. “I’ve been looking forward to this vacation. I enjoyed having you at our house, but there were so many other people around that I had to play host to. Now there isn’t anybody else?”