I know I stayed a little late, but it was so hard to get away while so much was going on.

I don't know when I have had so pleasant an evening.

And besides, it was hard for Buck to get away, and we had arranged for him to come home with me.

The festivities had not ended when we left." "Buck Badger must never come home with you again!" he said, with a firmness and suddenness that took all the color out of her cheeks, and seemed to take all the breath out of her body.

She sat still, as if frozen by the statement, while a scared look filled her eyes.