kind of a bee in his bonnet about having a party. Of course it's
nonsense, but I suppose that's to be expected at his age."

Robert Ferguson demurred. "The boy doesn't want me; he has asked
a dozen young people."

Mrs. Maitland lifted one eyebrow. "I didn't hear about the dozen
young people; I thought it was only two or three besides David
and Elizabeth; however, I don't mind. I'll go the whole hog. He
can have a dozen, if he wants to. As for his not wanting you,
what has that got to do with it? I want you. It's my house, and
my table; and I'll ask who I please. I've asked Mrs. Richie," she
ended, and gave him a quick look.

"Well," her superintendent said, indifferently, "I'll come; but
it's hard on Blair." When he went home that night, he summoned
Miss White. "I hope you have arranged to have Elizabeth look
properly for Blair's party? Don't let her be vain about it, but
have her look right." And on the night of the great occasion,
just before they started for Mrs. Maitland's, he called his niece
into his library, and knocking off his glasses, looked her over
with grudging eyes: "Don't get your head turned, Elizabeth.
Remember, it isn't fine feathers that make fine birds," he said;
and never knew that he was proud of her!

Elizabeth, bubbling with laughter, holding her skirt out in
small, white-gloved hands, made three dancing steps, dipped him a
great courtesy, then ran to him, and before he knew it, caught
him round the neck and kissed him. "You dear, darling,
_precious_ uncle!" she said.