at them all across the roses and sparkling glass. They were lovely
women, all of them, and could such men be found anywhere else in the
world? When I left them all to go out into the big universe to meet the
distinctions that I knew my future husband would have for me, would I
sit at table with people who loved me like this? I saw Pet Buford say
something to Tom about me that I know was lovely from the way he smiled
at me; and the judge's eyes were a full cup for any woman to have
offered her. Then in a flash it all seemed to go to my head, and tears
rose to my eyes, and there I might have been crying at my own party if
I hadn't felt a strong warm hand laid on mine as it rested on my lap and
Dr. John's kind voice teased into my ears--"Steady, Mrs. Molly, there's
the loving-cup to come yet," he whispered. I hated him, but held on to
his thumb tight for half a minute. He didn't know what the matter really
was, but he understood what I needed. He always does.

And after that everybody had a good time, Jane and her nephew as much
as anybody, and I could see Aunt Bettie and Mrs. Johnson peeping in the
pantry door, having the time of their lives, too.

That dinner was going like an airship on a high wind, when something
happened to tangle its tail feathers, and I can hardly write it for
trembling yet. It was a simple little telegram, but it might have been
nitro-glycerine on a tear for the way it acted. It was for me, but the
nephew handed it to Tom, and he opened it and, looking at me, he
solemnly read it out loud. It said--

"Arrived this noon. Have I your permission to come to Hillsboro
immediately? Answer. ALFRED."