"I think it's a very good idea," said Anstice. The children had had their tea, but were allowed to undo the presents which Anstice had brought them from town. A beautiful paint-box for Ruffie, a set of Dickens' books for Georgie, and a Japanese papier-mâché writing-case fitted up with stationery for Josie. Their father's present was a set of parlour croquet. These gave universal delight, and it was the greatest difficulty to get them to bed at their proper time. Later that evening, Anstice and Justin sat over the drawing-room fire chatting together. "I think we must have the Dermots here," said Justin. "Now you have got a good staff of servants, we might entertain." "I am quite willing, but at this time of year there are not many people in the neighbourhood. The Wykehams are abroad." "I'm not very keen on the locals. I know some men in town I would like to ask for the shooting, and if you have any friends of your own, we might have them. Not over a dozen—in all. I hate a crowd." So it was settled that they should have a small house-party. Anstice asked two of her young cousins from town. The Dermots; a Colonel Armour; a Mr. Carstairs, a barrister; a naval captain, by name John Hawk; two yachting friends, Tom Brett and Frank Agnew, with their wives—these made thirteen guests in the house. In addition, they asked Colonel and Mrs. McInnes, with their two daughters, and the Vicar, and a niece who was staying with him, for the first dinner-party. "We have two men more than women," said Anstice, "but that can't be helped. I don't think we had better try more than twenty." She was very busy arranging for her guests, as soon as the invitations had been sent out and accepted. Justin left everything to her. He was hunting now two days a week, and was out a good deal when it was fine—Anstice found the car most useful to take her to Penrith, for necessary shopping. The little girls sometimes accompanied her. They were much excited at the idea of some guests arriving and the empty bedrooms being used. "We've never had visitors here before, never!" said Josie. "What will they do? Will they dance?" "They'll be out shooting and hunting most of the time," said Anstice. "They will amuse each other, I hope; and if not, I will see what I can do." "You can always tell stories," said Josie. Anstice laughed. If she had any qualms about her power as a hostess, she kept them to herself. And Justin was pleasantly conscious that she would not only be a capable and gracious hostess, but a most fascinating one. CHAPTER IV NEIGHBOURS THE house-party was in full swing. The weather was propitious, and the shooting satisfactory.