"
"Music," went on Mr. Hungerford, "is almost a necessity, in these days,
when everyone dances. Is this a formal reception, or had you intended
clearing a floor for dancing, Mrs. Dott?"
Mrs. Dott had not intended any such thing; she had not thought of it.
But she concealed the fact from her visitor with remarkable presence of
mind.
"Oh, of course!" she said.
The conversation continued, a conversation limited to Mr. Hungerford and
his hostess, while Captain Dan remained a silent and amazed listener.
The young gentleman was invited to attend the reception, Serena making
many apologies for the informality of the invitation, and the guest
expressing himself as delighted.
"Of course," he said, "I wouldn't intrude for the world, but I don't
feel like an intruder in this house, where I have spent so many happy
hours. Feeling as I do, I'm going to make another suggestion which,
under different circumstances, might be considered an impertinence. I am
at leisure to-morrow--in fact, all this week--and if there is anything
that I can do to help you and Cousin Daniel, in this matter of the
reception or any other, I shall be at your service.
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