But it was not her father. The maid announced "Mr. Hadly," as she handed Venna a long box.
"Please open it, Stella. I'll be ready to wear one, I guess."
The maid opened up the gift of American Beauties—Venna's favorites—and handed one long stemmed rose to her mistress.
"Put the rest in water, Stella—I shall wear only one," she said, pinning the wonderful rose at her waist. "And when you go to your party to-night, just come in and take one for yourself," she added kindly.
"Oh, thank you, miss," exclaimed the maid, as she helped Venna with her dress. "You do just look wonderful today, Miss Venna. Your cheeks are as red as the rose itself."
Venna was always so familiar with her servants and they were frankly adoring.
"Thank you, my dear Stella," she said. "Your compliments have a sameness, but I always know they are sincere," she said, as she left the room to go to her guest.
Hadly awaited Venna in the large reception room facing the front porch. He looked about the cozy room all in oak and cool green, and then at the centre table with vases of violets and apple-blossoms.
He smiled as he looked at the flowers. He had a bright vision of Venna gathering them and placing them there.
Venna entered the room with her usual bright smile.