.

.
And do ring up Daisy Craig; tell her mother I'm desperate, and that she and Drina can occupy the same hospital to-morrow." And so it happened that among the jolly youthful throng which clustered around the little candle-lighted tables in the dining-room at Silverside, Drina, in ecstasy, curly hair just above the nape of her slim white neck, and cheeks like pink fire, sat between Boots and a vacant chair reserved for her tardy father.
For Nina had waited as long as she dared; then Boots had been summoned to take in Drina and the youthful Craig girl; and, as there were to have been six at a table, at that particular table sat Boots decorously facing Eileen, with the two children on either hand and two empty chairs flanking Eileen.
A jolly informality made up for Austin's shortcoming; Gerald and his pretty bride were the centres of delighted curiosity from the Minster twins and the Innis girls and Evelyn Cardwell--all her intimates.

And the younger Draymores, the Grays, Lawns, and Craigs were there in force--gay, noisy, unembarrassed young people who seemed scarcely younger or gayer than the young matron, their hostess.
As for Gladys, it was difficult to think of her as married; and to Boots Drina whispered blissfully: "I look almost as old; I know I do.

After this I shall certainly make no end of a fuss if they don't let me dine with them.

Besides, you want me to, don't you, Boots ?" "Of course I do." "And--am I quite as entertaining to you as older girls, Boots, dear ?" "Far more entertaining," said that young man promptly.