"What an absolutely topping hat!" Laura said faintly "Is it ?" and smiled up at Laurie, and didn't tell him after all.
Soon after that people began coming in streams.

The band struck up; the hired waiters ran from the house to the marquee.

Wherever you looked there were couples strolling, bending to the flowers, greeting, moving on over the lawn.

They were like bright birds that had alighted in the Sheridans' garden for this one afternoon, on their way to--where?
Ah, what happiness it is to be with people who all are happy, to press hands, press cheeks, smile into eyes.
"Darling Laura, how well you look!" "What a becoming hat, child!" "Laura, you look quite Spanish.

I've never seen you look so striking." And Laura, glowing, answered softly, "Have you had tea?
Won't you have an ice?
The passion-fruit ices really are rather special." She ran to her father and begged him.