“Indeed I do,” Mrs. Truxton extended both her hands, her face beaming with smiles. “Why haven’t you been to see me, Douglas?” she added reproachfully.
“I have been extremely busy since my arrival, Mrs. Truxton,” apologized Douglas. “I was looking forward to calling upon you this Sunday.”
“Have you had a pleasant time this afternoon, Kate?” asked Thornton.
“Yes. It has been a delightful entertainment, just the right people and the right number.”
“It would be pretty hard to crowd these grounds,” laughed Eleanor.
“There isn’t any elbow room about the refreshment table,” put in Thornton; “I almost had to fight to get a plate of ice cream a few minutes ago.”
“A much needed improvement would be small chairs scattered about the lawn,” grumbled Mrs. Truxton, leaning heavily on her parasol. “It is exceedingly tiresome having to stand so long.”
“It would be prettier, too, and less formal,” agreed Eleanor. “The guests would then saunter over the lawns and not stand crowded together near the President.”
“It would also be much more brilliant if the members of the Diplomatic Corps wore their Court dress,” announced Mrs. Truxton with decision, “instead of those hideous frock coats and gray trousers.”