"No, but he's the leading man in the drama, and important even when off the stage. Let's telephone him to come here to dinner tonight. It is so warm that I have planned only a lunch, but we can set the porch table and have a jolly informal time. Do call him up, Alice."
"I'd love to, of course, if you really want us."
"Indeed I do, but we'll have to hurry, for it's after five now."
"I'll help you," said Alice, after Harry had given his hearty acceptance. "Let me fix the salad."
"All right, and I'll stir up some little tea cakes. It's better not to cut those beets too small, Alice; it makes them soft. I never add them till just before I serve the salad. There, that's fine! Do you want to fix the parsley to garnish the ham? Ham looks so much better with parsley that I never fail to garnish it. I have nasturtiums for the center of the table, and we'll garnish the salad with them, too."
"It will be a festive little meal. What else can I do while you're baking the tea cakes?"
"You can make the iced tea, Alice. You do everything so easily and deftly that I love to watch you. And you have never cooked at all until lately, have you?"
"No, but I really like it. Wouldn't it be a joke if I should become very domestic?"
"Well, your fate is pointing in that direction! Time is swiftly passing, and in a few short weeks—Alice, shall I call off the announcement luncheon?"
"Oh, no, no, Bettina! Let fate do her worst! I'm resigned."