Audrey went outside and rested on a seat in the sunshine. On the roof Keith's pigeons sat cooing amiably; the mingled sweetness of 'cherry-pie' and mignonette filled the warm air. Daphne's cat Snowdrop, once Debby's kitten, lay stretched out comfortably on the warm, red-tiled path.
How beautiful it all was, how peaceful. Audrey sitting lost in almost a rapture of enjoyment, did not hear soft footsteps approaching, until Irene dropped on to the seat beside her.
"Audrey," she said eagerly, "I do want a few minutes alone with you. There is something—very special—I want to talk to you about."
Audrey looked round interestedly. "Well?" she said. "You know Christmas is not so very far off."
Audrey laughed lightly. "Christmas! Just imagine being able to think of Christmas—winter—on a day like this!"
"I am not thinking of winter, only of Christmas—and our party."
"A Christmas party? Oh, Irene!"
"Yes. I must tell you quickly, or someone may come. Mother suggested it only this morning—that we have a party, and—and act your play!"
Irene looked at her triumphantly, her pretty eyes bright with excitement.
"My play? Oh!" Audrey blushed scarlet. She seemed quite overcome.