"My event comes very soon."

"Oh, let's go over and see Mrs. Jackson. I'm sick of sitting here stark
alone. Come on--the girls are all over there."

I glanced toward the Jackson box and saw a group of our most intimate
friends--Edith's bridge club members and several of the girls in my set,
too.

"All right," I said, and we got up and strolled along the aisle.

As we approached I observed one of the women nudge another. I saw Helene
McClellan open her mouth to speak and then close it quickly as she
caught sight of us. I felt under Mrs. Jackson's over-effusive greeting
the effort it was for her to appear easy and cordial. The group must
have been talking about the masquerade, for as we joined it there ensued
an uncomfortable silence. I would have withdrawn, but Edith pinched my
arm and boldly went over and sat down in one of the empty chairs.

We couldn't have been there five minutes when Mrs. Sewall came strolling
along the aisle, accompanied by Miss Oliphant. She, who usually held
herself so aloof, was very gracious this afternoon, smiling cordially at
left and right, and stopping now and again to present her niece. I saw
her recognize Mrs. Jackson and then smilingly approach her. We all rose
as our hostess got up and beamingly put her hand into Mrs. Sewall's
extended one.

"How do you do, Mrs. Jackson," said Mrs. Sewall. "I've been enjoying
your lovely boxful of young ladies all the afternoon. Charming, really!
Delightful! I hope you are all planning to come to my masquerade," she
went on, addressing the whole group now. "I want it to be a success. I
am giving it for my little guest here--and my son also," she added with
a significant smile, as if to imply that the coupling of Miss Oliphant's
and her son's names was not accidental. "Oh, how do you do, Mrs.
McClellan!" she interrupted herself, smiling across the group to Helene
who stood next to me, "I haven't caught your eye before today. I hope
you're well--and oh, Miss McDowell!" She bowed to Leslie McDowell on my
other side.

It was just about at this juncture that I observed Edith threading her
way around back of several chairs toward Mrs. Sewall. I wish I could
have stopped her, but it was too late. I heard her clear voice suddenly
exclaiming from easy speaking distance,

"How do you do, Mrs. Sewall."

"Ah! how do you do!" the lady condescended to reply. There was
chilliness in the voice. Edith continued.

"We're so delighted," she went on bravely, "