"Of course not," responded Darrie, with simulated lightness; "look there to the left, there's Myrtie. That president is a good presiding officer; you would not guess all this row is over her, she's absolutely impartial—by Jove!"
"What's the matter? Do you see mother anywhere?"
"No, sir; did you catch that, the secretary's explanation of the parliamentary question? Pretty clear, I call it; but they're getting in all their points, I observe, working questions of privilege for all they are worth."
"Very clever, very clever," assented Darius; "there's Hester, mother isn't with her; you don't suppose mother would stay away, this afternoon?"
"Never; this is the election afternoon."
"Myrtie said mother was very much admired and sought after, lots of invitations; maybe she has gone out to some tea—"
"They wouldn't have anything this afternoon; don't you see how keyed up they all are?"
"I thought I was monstrous clever planning all this," pursued Darius, with a knitted brow; "your mother forgot this was our anniversary, but I didn't; I have her present in my pocket; and the dinner ordered; and I was expecting to surprise her; but if she isn't here—she couldn't have gone home?"
"Of course not—there she is, don't you see her? looking fresh as paint!"
A lady had risen, her voice, mellow and clear, dove through the sonorous buzz of the hall.