The guests began to arrive early, in order to have a long evening of enjoyment.
Late that afternoon an odd discussion had arisen which came near wrecking the whole affair.
Mrs. Kemp, Iris, and Dorothy were all seated in the general sitting-room discussing the last but by no means least important matter of who should receive the guests.
"You are the young lady of the house," said Mrs. Kemp, turning to Dorothy with a puzzled air, "and of course every one expects you to perform that pleasant duty; but—"
"Oh, no, no!" cut in Dorothy. "My—my affliction makes that an impossibility. You must do it, Mrs. Kemp."
"Really, child, my presence is so much of a necessity in looking after the servants and overlooking affairs in general that I assure you I can not be spared even for a brief half hour; so, as near as I can see, Iris must take your place for that occasion, with Mr. Kendal, to welcome your guests. What do you say, my dear?" she asked, turning anxiously to the beauty, who sat disconsolately by the window, listening to the conversation, feeling confident as to how the debate must end—in her own favor.
"I'm sure I do not mind doing so, if the arrangement suits Mr. Kendal and—Dorothy."
Harry entered the room at this stage, and of course the matter was quickly laid before him.
"Why, yes, Iris can help me receive the guests," he declared. "What a happy thought! I supposed I alone was to be delegated to that task. Yes, let us settle it in that manner, by all means."
As usual, no one thought of consulting Dorothy's opinion. Indeed, they scarcely missed her presence when, a few moments later, she slipped from the room to have a good cry over the matter.