Nan, in no wise disconcerted, turned a wry face toward her guests:
"Biddy and I had one of our most deadly affrays just before you arrived, so don't be surprised at anything she may give us for luncheon. I tried, for your sakes, to keep my temper until later in the day, but it wouldn't be kept."
"It never will," sighed Emily ruefully, in the midst of the general laugh.
Nan ushered them into the dining room:
"Miss Stuart, will you sit here on my right? Girls, take any places you want."
"You needn't have worried about luncheon, Nan. These biscuits are simply delicious," observed Helen, consolingly, as Bridget vanished into the kitchen. "Biddy is far too proud of her skill to disgrace you."
"Oh, she would not mind me," laughed Nan airily. "Nothing would restrain her but her sense of importance, and her undying jealousy of your cook."
"What a glorious time we had at the dance," Emily remarked irrelevantly. "It was about the most successful thing we have done this summer. It has made such a difference having the Vortex here, hasn't it, Jean?"
Jean, thus addressed, changed color rapidly, and then was furious with herself, for she caught Miss Stuart's eyes fixed on her with insolent directness.
"Oh, bother the Vortex," cried Mollie petulantly. "Don't let us talk about men. There are dozens of subjects more interesting."