"When you don't know how to act, Nan, do something honest and kind, and that will be sure to be right."
She told herself that perhaps after all, the girls had not been talking about her, and said to them pleasantly:
"Do you like it away back here? It's rather out of the way of the games; but don't you want to play?"
"Oh, yes; by and by," stammered Ruth, awkwardly. "It's awfully pretty in this conservatory, and Lu and I got in here and couldn't get away. One wants to sit still and just enjoy it. I think I never saw such dainty lanterns."
The conversation seemed on the point of coming to a standstill, but Nan plunged in again, her sense of being hostess spurring her on.
"I guess they're some Miss Blake brought with her from China, or somewhere. She has been around the world, and has collected any number of beautiful things. Some of them are perfectly fine."
"Oh, I think she herself is one of the loveliest things!" cried Ruth, enthusiastically. "She has a darling face. One wants to kiss her, she's so dear!"
"Mamma says she used to know her years ago at school," said Louie. "She says she is one of the finest characters she knows. She was delighted to have me come when Miss Blake asked me to your party."
"Yes, it was awfully nice of you to think of us," put in Ruth, laboriously.
Again the conversation threatened to flag. But here was Nan's opportunity to do something honest, and she did it.