terrible glad to see you!" almost screamed the girl, as she now for a
moment forsook the "'ristocratics" of the party to hug and kiss James
Barlow.

He, poor fellow, rid himself of her clasping arms as soon as possible,
reddening yet laughing, and casting an appealing look upon the lady who
had risen from the table and stood smiling her welcome to them all.

"Don't mind Alfy, ma'am; she always did have to be the middle of
things," begged the lad, overcoming his own shyness rather than have
that beautiful lady think he was a "softie" who liked kissing girls.
Also, he was thankful that Dorothy had contented herself with merely
holding tight to his hand and simply looking her affection.

"Oh! that's all right. We love Alfy; and this, I see, is that wonderful
'Jim' of whom I've been told so much. I--we--are delighted that you were
able to take your holiday with us; and though we are not there yet, I
bid you hearty welcome to San Leon," said Lady Gray, now moving forward
and warmly shaking the hand of the "work boy" as Dorothy released it.

"Isn't it splendid? Is it a surprise? Didn't you know a thing about it,
Dolly Doodles?" demanded pretty Molly, hugging her friend, then standing
back to hold her at arm's length and study the changes which a few
months' separation had made in the beloved face.

Helena Montaigne, too, was trying to clasp her in equally tender arms,
and Molly reluctantly released Dorothy, while she let Mr. Ford lead her
to his wife, introducing her as:

"The daughter of my old friend, Judge Breckenridge. He and I were
classmates once, and come here, Leslie boy! I've heard this little lady
spoken of as 'Jolly Molly,' and you must make it your business that not
one day of her coming summer with us shall be anything save 'jolly.' Ah!
Erminie, young people on a ranch!"

Evidently, Leslie was as much in the dark as Dorothy and Alfy had been,
this visitation of so many young strangers a complete surprise to him;
but he was trained to good manners and at once captivated Molly's
admiration by his cordial greeting. So that, a moment later, she
whispered to Dorothy:

"Isn't he a dear! I declare he's just a heavenly handsome boy, with his
blue eyes and--and his _air_! He really is too sweet for words, that
boy!"

Whereat Dolly laughed and answered:

"Oh! you funny Molly! You don't change a bit! Still 'doting on boys' as
much as ever! How's Melvin?"

"Melvin's a poke. The invitation included him, too, but