"Why, I thought you didn't want any outsiders, father," exclaimed
Jasper in surprise.
"Well, and I didn't when I said so, but circumstances are changed now—come, guess quickly, some one?"
"The Cabots," said Jasper at a venture.
"No, no; guess again."
"Mr. Alstyne?"
"No; again."
"The Bayleys, the Dyces, the Herrings," shouted Mr. Whitney and Van and
Joel.
"No, I know," broke in Percy, "it's Mrs. Chatterton," with a quick glance to make sure that she was not in the room.
"NO!" thundered Mr. King. "Oh! how stupid people can be when they want to. Two persons are to meet us in New York to-morrow. I didn't tell you till I was sure; I had no desire that you should be disappointed. Now guess again."
"Auntie, do you know?" asked Polly suddenly, leaning back, as she sat on the rug in front of the fire, to lay her head in Mrs. Whitney's lap.