She was for greeting everyone, a wafted kiss to Mrs. Kantor, and then arms wide, a great bunch of violets in one outstretched hand, her glance straight sure and sparkling for Leon Kantor.
"Surprise—everybody—surprise!"
"Why, Gina—we read—we thought you were singing in Philadelphia to-night!"
"So did I, Esther darling, until a little bird whispered to me that
Lieutenant Kantor was home on farewell leave."
He advanced to her down the great length of room, lowering his head over her hand, his puttee-clad legs clicked together.
"You mean, Miss Gina—Gina—you didn't sing?"
"Of course I didn't! Hasn't every prima donna a larynx to hid behind?"
She lifted off her fur cap, spilling curls.
"Well, I—I'll be hanged!" said Lieutenant Kantor, his eyes lakes of her reflected loveliness.
She let her hand linger in his.
"Leon—you—really going—how—terrible—how—how—wonderful!"