"May I come, Uncle Robin?" piped Phillis. "For a birfday treat," she added, in extenuation.
Applications for an invitation rained in. Apart from a desire to please a man whom we all respected—and our ready offers undoubtedly did please him—I think we were all a little curious to view the mould which had turned Robin out.
"You can't all go," said the Admiral at last. "There's the grouse-drive to-morrow, and eight butts to fill; not to mention the need of female society at lunch."
Finally it was arranged that Robin should take Kitty and Phillis over on a sort of preliminary call, and they could arrange for the establishment of more substantial relations.
But that evening, as the ladies were having their candles lit at the foot of the staircase, I heard Robin say to Dolly—
"Will you come with us to-morrow?"
Dolly seemed to consider, and was about to reply, when Dermott, who never seemed very far away now, cut in.
"Too late, Fordyce! Miss Rubislaw has promised to come and load for me in my butt to-morrow afternoon."
"No, I'm afraid it can't be managed this time, Robin," said Dolly. "But I am coming with you later in the week, if you'll take me."
Robin said nothing.