They made a picturesque group as they gathered under the tree,
subsiding with immense satisfaction into the low wicker chairs, or
on to the soft turf, and helping themselves to what they pleased.
When all were supplied with tea, coffee, or iced drinks, to their
liking, conversation flowed again.

"So the duchess's concert comes off to-night," remarked some one. "I
wish to goodness they would hang this tree with Chinese lanterns
and, have it out here. It is too hot to face a crowded function
indoors."

"Oh, that's all right," said Garth Dalmain, "I'm stage-manager, you
know; and I can promise you that all the long windows opening on to
the terrace shall stand wide. So no one need be in the concert-room,
who prefers to stop outside. There will be a row of lounge chairs
placed on the terrace near the windows. You won't see much; but you
will hear, perfectly."

"Ah, but half the fun is in seeing," exclaimed one of the tennis
girls. "People who have remained on the terrace will miss all the
point of it afterwards when the dear duchess shows us how everybody
did it. I don't care how hot it is. Book me a seat in the front
row!"

"Who is the surprise packet to-night?" asked Lady Ingleby, who had
arrived since luncheon.

"Velma," said Mary Strathern. "She is coming for the week-end, and
delightful it will be to have her. No one but the duchess could have
worked it, and no place but Overdene would have tempted her. She