Briggs, however, had turned to the servant, who had just come into the room. “Take the men up to the big room over the front door, Michael. That’ll be the best place,” he went on, to his wife. “And have you arranged about their hats and coats?”
“I’ve attended to all that, sir,” Guy said, eagerly.
Briggs looked relieved. “Well, I guess we needn’t worry.”
Helen glanced up into his face. “I’m not going to worry,” she said, with a smile.
“Is the Secretary of State really coming?” Fanny asked.
“I believe so,” her aunt replied.
“If he speaks to me I shall faint away. Ugh!” The girl walked over to Guy Fullerton. “You’ll have to do all the talking if you sit near me. I shall be too scared to say a word. This is my first dinner, you know.”
“You poor thing!” Guy began; but Fanny cut him short.
“Don’t make stupid jokes, sir!”
Helen Briggs turned to the girl. “I’m only afraid you’ll talk too much, Fanny.”