There was more food than any one needed or wanted and when Jerry began serving dessert Trenton suggested to Grace that they leave the table. Their leaving evoked loud protests. Irene was now furiously angry at Kemp, who had been unable to resist the lure of the champagne, a vintage without duplicate in all America, he declared.
The gentleman at Grace’s left, reduced to a maudlin state by his host’s generous distribution of wine, loudly importuned her not to go. Kemp announced his purpose to make a speech and was trying to get upon his feet when Irene pulled him down. One of the visitors began to sing and seized a candle from the table with which to beat time. He was bawling, “He’s a jolly good fellow,” as Grace and Trenton effected their escape.
They breathed deep of the clean country air when they reached the long veranda at the side of the house.
“Poor Tommy; I suppose there’s no way of stopping him,” remarked Trenton.
Both were aware of a new restraint the moment they were alone. The still night was sweet with spring and the earth seemed subdued by the mystery of green things growing.
Grace walked the length of the veranda, then back to the steps, Trenton beside her. He was still troubled by a sense of responsibility for Kemp. The discordant noises from the dining room followed them and they debated whether they should try to break up the party but decided against it.
“Let’s get away from the racket,” said Trenton. “When I suggested coming out for supper it didn’t occur to me that Tommy would be pulling off a bacchanalian feast. Tommy’s incorrigible—dear old Tommy! But—we must talk. Shall we go up yonder where we can look out over the river?”
The stars and an old moon that stared blandly across the heavens made the path easily discernible. As they loitered along he spoke of Kemp’s purchase of the Cummings concern.
“I did advise Tommy against it,” he said, “because of the additional burdens he’ll have to carry. But it’s a good business stroke. He’s wiped out an old competitor and with your father’s improvements on Cummings’s motor Tommy’s going to be greatly strengthened.”
“I’ve been afraid,” said Grace, “that father’s ideas wouldn’t prove practical. He’s seemed terribly worried lately.”