"I'm so glad to think that. You see I have Sheila to copy, and that is everything. I would do anything in the world for her—anything. When I think of what she has done for me and the life she has saved me from, I seem to want to do something great for her." Meg's eyes were shining, as she bent forward eagerly to look at Peter. "What can those two be talking about," thought Sheila as she suddenly came in sight of them. For the second time this afternoon she was not pleased. Meg seemed to her to be getting a little uppish. Had all the luxury and good things that she had showered upon her begun to spoil her? Anyhow Sheila was determined to put an end to that absorbing conversation and so wafted Peter off to another part of the garden, leaving Meg to entertain his friend as best she could. "Well, how do you like Poynter?" asked Peter. "He was very anxious to see you." "He is quite nice. You must bring him over again if he stays long enough. Will he be here next month?" "No, he has to go next week." "What a pity, as he could have come to my party and have heard the singer who is to make her debut on that day." "What party and what singer? I've heard nothing about it." "No I have only just decided. Now, Peter, I want you to keep a secret and to do all you can to help me. I've been longing to tell you about my plan." "Who is the singer and when is the concert to be?" "On the twelfth of July. Now don't say you cannot come." "That is the very day I am due at Plymouth." "You mustn't go, that's all. You must put off your engagement whatever it is." "Why didn't you consult me before you fixed the date if you wanted me to come?" "I never wait for that kind of thing. Why, you know, Peter, I always act on the spur of the moment; it is not in me to wait; and I have been writing all the invitations this morning." "I suppose then I shall have to give up Plymouth," said Peter with one of his kind smiles. "Of course you will, for I can't really change my day for that. I've written already to engage the band, and my singer has booked the day. You can't get a great singer to change her day just because one of the audience wishes to go to Plymouth, can you?" Sheila laughed contentedly now that she had won her point. "And who is the singer?" "Will you promise me to keep a secret? It is Meg. I have, as you know, been giving her lessons and she is to make her debut at my garden party. You don't seem half as surprised as I thought you would be." Peter smiled. "There! that's what I can't stand. You never will be taken by surprise. It's most provoking of you. And if you smile at me again I shall scream." Peter laughed. "What do you want me to do? I'll try to fall in with your wishes." "Now don't be exasperating. I want you to say something. If you like my plan say so. If you don't tell me why. Only I really can't stand another wordless smile." "I wonder why you object to my smile?"