"Well, if I am, then come around to the front piazza with me. They're setting back the chairs." Meanwhile Mrs. Wilbur was drawing Diana toward the group surrounding Philip. "I don't know what to say to you that won't sound too effusive," she said as soon as she could get his attention and his hand. "Will you come to us in October and sing a recital?" "I shall be glad to, if I can. I will see about my dates." As Philip replied, he looked at Diana. She gave him a pale smile and said nothing. More people approached and Mrs. Wilbur drew away, her daughter with her. "Miss Diana," said Philip, across the heads of the crowd, "they are going to dance. Will you stay?" Diana nodded. "You like to dance, Mamma. You stay, too." "Oh, not in this little place where everybody will be stepping on every one else. Beside, Léonie's beau is waiting outside to take us home. I will go with Miss Burridge and tell Bill to come back for you in an hour. I suppose you don't need a chaperon for I don't see your ideal here to-night, Diana," in a lowered voice. "You were right about Mr. Barrison. Let us pray that women don't make a complete fool of him. You don't look just right, dear. Don't stay late. I'll tell Bill to come back in an hour. Oh, there is that comical Mr. Kelly." Mrs. Wilbur sailed up to him. "Thank you so much for this evening. You were delightful, Mr. Kelly, and Mr. Barrison is most fortunate in having you." "But you're not going, Mrs. Wilbur?" "Yes; good-night." "No, not until you've danced once with me. There, the music is just going to begin." And, sure enough, Miss Burridge stood back and waited while Mrs. Wilbur's little satin-clad feet tripped lightly around in the dance with the volatile Barney, and she talked to him about the date in October and promised she would dance with him again at that time. Mrs. Lowell and Herbert had been enjoying the concert and had told Philip so, and now stood back watching the dancing. "Would you like to learn to dance?" asked Mrs. Lowell. "No." "It sounds better to say, 'No, Mrs. Lowell,' or, 'No, I thank you.'" "Then I will," said the boy. "I like to dance," said Mrs. Lowell, "and I wish you would learn." "Then I will," said the boy again. The music had thrilled his artist soul. It seemed all a part of the entrancing night, a part of the safe world of love into which he had been guided. CHAPTER XIX MOONLIGHT Mrs. Wilbur looked back into the hall from the piazza before she stepped into the motor. Diana was already dancing with Philip Barrison. She watched their smooth movements for a minute, then turned to Mrs. Lowell who had just emerged with her boy. "This--this gathering, this settlement here, seems rather like a family party, doesn't it?" she said, with a sort of troubled curiosity. "Yes; nearly all of these people have known each other for many summers." "I feel a little strange to go and leave Diana." "I don't think you need," replied Mrs. Lowell.