Part 18 (1/2)
Impatient at the other's silence Kenneth demanded somewhat sharply:
”Well--what do you say? Do you accept?”
He looked straight at his _vis-a-vis_, but Handsome avoided his direct gaze. He was silent for another moment as if reflecting. Then, slowly, he said:
”Yes, I accept.”
CHAPTER IX
The string orchestra, adroitly concealed behind a bank of graceful exotic plants, struck up a languorous waltz, and the couples, only too eager to respond to the invitation, began to turn and glide over the polished parquet floor.
Not since its master's departure for South Africa had the Traynor residence been the scene of so much life and gayety. Every window literally blazed with light. From the front door at the top of the high stoop down to the edge of the street curb, stretched a canvas awning to protect arriving guests from the inclemency of the weather.
It was a stormy night. The rain was falling in torrents, but no one cared. Everybody was out for a good time and they knew that this was the house to get it.
Helen's first impulse had been to postpone the affair, held really in celebration of Ray's birthday, until Kenneth's return, but as this idea had met with decided opposition from the younger element, she had reluctantly given way. Besides, there was no knowing when Kenneth would return. Nothing as yet had been heard from him excepting a brief cablegram announcing his safe arrival at Cape Town, and it was manifestly unfair to let her own inclinations stand in the way of the happiness of others. So, after due reflection, she had surrendered completely, giving Ray _carte blanche_ to make what arrangements she chose. That young person did not stand on the order of going. She acted at once and sent out invitations to what proved to be one of the biggest _soirees dansantes_ of the season. Everything was done on a most liberal scale. The house was decorated by Herly, three picturesque fiddlers were obtained from an agency, and Mazzoni, who provides delicacies for the ”400,” had charge of the catering.
Everybody who was anybody was invited, all Ray's personal friends besides a lot of people she did not know so well. A number of Helen's intimates were there and also some men friends of Mr. Steell and d.i.c.k Reynolds. The girls in their light gowns looked pretty as angels. The men were handsome, attentive and gallant. Altogether, everyone voted it one of the most enjoyable social affairs of the year.
Ray had danced her sixth waltz and at last utterly exhausted, unable to stand any more, she allowed d.i.c.k Reynolds to escort her to a sofa.
”Please get me an ice, will you? That's a dear boy,” she gasped.
”Will I!” echoed the youth. ”What wouldn't I do for you--fire and water--that's all!”
”As bad as that?” laughed the girl panting. ”Please don't be silly.
Go and get me an ice.”
Obediently, he left her and forced his way through the throng to the buffet, while Ray, left alone, started to fan herself vigorously. As she sat there Helen pa.s.sed on the arm of Mr. Parker. The President stopped short and quizzed the young girl.
”You here?” e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed the old gentleman in mock amazement. ”Why aren't you dancing? This will never do.”
Helen smiled.
”I expect she's tired out. This is the first time I've seen her sit down all evening.”
Ray nodded.
”You've guessed right, sis. I'm nearly dead. I sent d.i.c.k for an ice.”
”Did you ever see such a crowd?” remarked the president of the A. A. M.
Company as he surveyed the throng that pa.s.sed in and out of the rooms.
”Oh, Mrs. Traynor we're having such a jolly time,” exclaimed a tall graceful girl, gracefully dressed in light blue empire gown with Grecian head dress.
”I'm so glad, dear,” smiled the hostess amiably. Turning to Mr. Parker as the girl pa.s.sed on she asked: ”Do you know who that is?”
He shook his head.
”She's the granddaughter of John R. Rockerford, the money king. Fancy her saying this is jolly after the grandeur she is accustomed to!”