This statement was unanimously acceded to by all persons connected with the feast.
All the afternoon the girls had worked over the decorations. The garden was strung with lanterns much more beautiful and artistic in design than any that ever reach America; and the house, under the supervision of Onoye and her mother, was made beautiful with the splendid iris in all its varying shades from deep purple to pale mauve. Among their long, slender, delicate leaves the flowers seemed to be growing in the shallow dishes in which devices of soft lead held them in place.
"Are we entertaining a family of sons this evening or have we just decided to celebrate whether we have sons or not?" asked Mr. Campbell, greeting his daughter on the piazza.
"We are entertaining for our only son, the most promising and delightful young man in the entire universe," answered Billie, kissing him.
"I always thought you were a singularly fortunate young man, Duncan," remarked Miss Campbell, "but I shall no longer attribute it entirely to industry, intelligence and good looks."
"What's the reason, then, Cousin Helen?" asked Mr. Campbell, laughing.
"Why, have you forgotten, boy, that this is your birthday? Forty-five years old, and you don't remember it!"
"I did forget it," said Mr. Campbell, "but I don't see where the luck comes in."
They explained the meaning of the Boys' Festival and the lucky coincidence that had brought him into the world on that auspicious day.
"Go in now and get dressed, for the Widow of Shanghai will be arriving pretty soon and other company besides," ordered Billie.