“Oh, yes, and I shall be all the more likely to do so if you go to sleep.”
“All right, Aunt Hilary. Isn’t it funny how quickly things can change? I know better how Betty felt now. But she fell from a horse and did not sprain a limb, while I only fell a little way.”
“Sh-sh, Hilary. I used to put you to sleep when you were a little girl; can’t I be successful now?”
Hilary laughed and obediently closed her eyes.
The other girls, meanwhile, had received from the hands of their favorite teacher their society certificates and were busy talking to a few visiting alumnae, friends, and each other, while serving and being served with the light refreshments offered.
“Isn’t it the most unfortunate thing that Hilary had to have an accident right now!” Cathalina was filling a plate with macaroons to pass around a second time, while Lilian was putting more ice in the bowl and filling it up with the mixed fruit juices again.
“Just dreadful!” exclaimed Lilian. “What are we to do about it?”
“I have a plan, if there aren’t any bones broken. We’ll talk about it as soon as this is over. I wonder if Hilary could drink some of this?”
“We’ll take her over some. Of course, she is at the pest house now. I believe everybody’s been served and the cakes have been around twice, except these.”
“It is only five o’clock, an hour before dinner.”