Then they set off amid the usual sparring between Jack and Paddy, a gentle sort of purring from the two little ladies, and sundry loud guffaws from the General. Only Eileen and her mother were silent—the one lost in a dear dreamland of delicious anticipation, and the other anxiously, watching with vague misgivings in her heart. There were no misgivings for Eileen that night. The last week had held so many dear moments, her mind was only too ready to be blinded to all else and wait dreamily for her joy. But a mother’s eyes see so much, and Mrs Adair knew her world—likewise little Miss Mary, who, in the midst of her soft purring, now and then threw wistful glances toward Eileen’s shining eyes and beautiful face. Mrs Blake and Lawrence received their guests in the large billiard-room, which had been cleared for dancing, and by the time the party from The Ghan House arrived quite a large number had already collected. When General Adair led Miss Jane into the room with old-fashioned courtly grace, followed closely by Mrs Adair and Miss Mary, and the young folks at their heels, there was quite a little stir among the chatting groups. For though they did not entertain in a big way themselves, General and Mrs Adair were known and respected throughout the county, while the two girls were favourites wherever they went; and, as has already been said, the little ladies from the rectory were almost an institution. When Mrs Blake and Lawrence had shaken hands with them, others clustered round eagerly, but Lawrence had time to look hard into Eileen’s eyes, and murmur, “Don’t forget the first dance is mine,” before she was carried off by other friends. Paddy and Jack were almost immediately seized upon by Kathleen and Doreen, who were in great glee over their own coming-out. “How does it feel?” asked Jack. “Anything like a snail squeezing out of a shell, or like falling out of a tree?” “Neither,” they exclaimed; “more like being crowned queen.” “And expecting everyone to bow down to you,” added Doreen gayly. “I hope you are prepared to be finely ordered about?” “That won’t be anything new. It seems to me I have been at yours and Kathleen’s beck and call ever since I can remember—to say nothing of Paddy and Eileen, who treat me as if I was only created to wait on them. I suppose I shall be expected to lead off the ball with one of you!” feigning disgust. “What impudence!” they cried together. “Here are we impressing upon you that in future you are to treat us with great respect, and you start off by coolly claiming one of the greatest favours we can confer.” “Not at all,” quoth Jack. “I merely await your orders. I know that one of you will expect me to have the first dance with you, and all I ask is, which?” “Then you are just wrong,” said Doreen, tossing her head. “I wouldn’t lead the dance off with you—if—if—my kingdom depended upon it.” “Well, I never asked you to,” wickedly. “You shouldn’t be in such a hurry to decline before you’re asked.”