They all joined in a song, and their voices, with the mandolin accompaniment, sounded wondrously sweet in the soft night air.
It was growing late when Nan at last jumped up.
"I am sorry to break up the party, but Emily and I must be going. Father will have the town crier out pretty soon."
There was a general move, and Mr. Dudley crossed to Helen's side.
"I have had a charming evening, Miss Lawrence. I hope you will honor us with your presence on the Vortex very soon." He spoke with the soft drawl peculiar to Southerners.
"It will be a great pleasure, and indeed we will."
"Won't you let me walk home with you, Miss Varian?" he asked. "It is rather late for you to go alone."
Emily's answer was lost in a merry peal of laughter from Nan.
"Mr. Dudley evidently appreciates the dangers lurking in that desolate stretch of lawn between here and the parsonage," she said with good-natured sarcasm.
The girls joined in a general laugh, in spite of themselves, but Emily frowned portentously.