Where is the seventh rosebud ?" "Marian will be here directly," said Grace, as they gathered about the big fireplace until dinner should be announced.
But ten minutes went by, and Marian still lingered.
"Dinner is served," announced the old butler.
The girls exchanged furtive glances, the judge looked rather uncomfortable, while Mr.Henry Hammond frowned openly.
Then there was another ten minutes' wait, that the girls tried to cover with conversation.

Then--a rustle of silken skirts and a figure appeared in the archway that caused those assembled to stare in sheer amazement.
Was this fashionably attired person plain every-day Marian Barber?
Her hair was drawn high upon her head, and topped with a huge cluster of false puffs, which made her look several years older than she had appeared in the afternoon, while her gown of blue satin was cut rather too low for a young girl, and had mere excuses in the way of sleeves.

To cap the climax, however, it had a real train that persisted in getting in her way every time she attempted to move.
For a full minute no one spoke.

Grace had an almost irrepressible desire to laugh aloud, as she caught the varied expressions on the faces of her friends.

Mr.Hammond alone appeared unmoved.