Laura! You do look stunning," said Laurie. "What an absolutely topping
hat!"

Laura said faintly "Is it?" and smiled up at Laurie, and didn't tell him
after all.

Soon after that people began coming in streams. The band struck up; the
hired waiters ran from the house to the marquee. Wherever you looked there
were couples strolling, bending to the flowers, greeting, moving on over
the lawn. They were like bright birds that had alighted in the Sheridans'
garden for this one afternoon, on their way to--where? Ah, what happiness
it is to be with people who all are happy, to press hands, press cheeks,
smile into eyes.

"Darling Laura, how well you look!"

"What a becoming hat, child!"

"Laura, you look quite Spanish. I've never seen you look so striking."

And Laura, glowing, answered softly, "Have you had tea? Won't you have an
ice? The passion-fruit ices really are rather special." She ran to her
father and begged him. "Daddy darling, can't the band have something to
drink?"

And the perfect afternoon slowly ripened, slowly faded, slowly its petals
closed.

"Never a more delightful garden-party ..." "The greatest success ..."
"Quite the most ..."