"You are very cruel to-night," said Churchill laughing. "By the way, Dick and I went down to the _Vortex_ this afternoon, and there are some awfully good fellows aboard. I hope you girls will give them a good time." "It seems to me that the responsibility ought to rest with them," interposed Eleanor Hill. "Otherwise we should feel absolutely overwhelmed," said Nan comically. "Here comes Dick now," exclaimed Nathalie, "and he has a strange man with him." In a moment more Dick Andrews gained the veranda, and introduced his friend Beverly Dudley, of the _Vortex_. It was Jean who came forward and, extending her hand, bade him welcome. "Ah, Mr. Dudley, I fear you will feel yourself overwhelmed with such a bevy of girls, but let me help you. This is my sister Nathalie--my friends Miss Hill, Miss Birdsall, and Miss Varian. Unfortunately my elder sister is not here to receive you. She will join us presently. Emily, can't you make room for Mr. Dudley on the settle?" she added glancing about her. Emily smiled radiantly, and Dudley, who seemed to be a charming youth, made his way to her side. Leaving Nathalie and Em each happy in a _tête-à-tête_, the other girls formed a circle of which jolly Dick was the center, and much good-natured chaffing and light-hearted laughter were in order. After a while Helen appeared in the doorway with two mandolins in her hands. "What a good idea," exclaimed Eleanor enthusiastically. "Now we can have some singing." "I can't very well shake hands, Mr. Dudley," said Helen, in response to Jean's introduction. "Let me relieve you, Miss Lawrence." "Thanks. Will you give this mandolin to my sister Nathalie?" They all joined in a song, and their voices, with the mandolin accompaniment, sounded wondrously sweet in the soft night air. It was growing late when Nan at last jumped up. "I am sorry to break up the party, but Emily and I must be going. Father will have the town crier out pretty soon." There was a general move, and Mr. Dudley crossed to Helen's side. "I have had a charming evening, Miss Lawrence. I hope you will honor us with your presence on the _Vortex_ very soon." He spoke with the soft drawl peculiar to Southerners. "It will be a great pleasure, and indeed we will." "Won't you let me walk home with you, Miss Varian?" he asked. "It is rather late for you to go alone." Emily's answer was lost in a merry peal of laughter from Nan. "Mr. Dudley evidently appreciates the dangers lurking in that desolate stretch of lawn between here and the parsonage," she said with good-natured sarcasm. The girls joined in a general laugh, in spite of themselves, but Emily frowned portentously.