g man might welcome a meal.

"That'll be lovely," she said, "and we can do it just as well as not.
And I had thought of having some bridge or something afterwards; but
Annette--Mrs. Black, I mean--didn't seem to think bridge would be just
the thing after a reception. And there's music; I know we really ought
to have music, and I had meant to have somebody play the piano. But the
woman I wanted can't come, and now I don't know what to do. What would
you think about that, Mr. Hungerford?"

Mr. Hungerford suggested hiring one or two professional musicians. "A
violinist, or harpist, or both, perhaps," he said. "Music is always, as
you say, a great addition to such affairs, Mrs. Dott. I happen to know
of a young fellow who plays exceptionally well, and his sister is really
a very accomplished performer on the harp. Of course they should be
engaged in merely a professional capacity. They are not persons who
would mingle with our set, but they're not at all objectionable,
really."

The diplomatic phrasing of this remark had its effect. It indicated
that Mrs. Dott's "set" was an exclusive one and, incidentally, that the
accomplished and polished Mr. Hungerford considered his host and hostess
as social equals.

"There!" exclaimed Serena. "I think that will be just fine. And you are
the first one, Mr. Hungerford, to think of it. Do you suppose you could
get these--these--er--persons you speak of to come and play for us?"

"I think so. I have befriended the young man in various ways, and he is,
if you will excuse my saying so, under some obligations to me. I should
be glad to make the attempt if you wish it, Mrs. Dott."

"Cost somethin', won't it?" observed Captain Dan casually. Mr.
Hungerford regarded him with well-bred surprise.

"Why, of course," he said, "there will be some expense. I think fifty
dollars will cover the bill. The usual rate for musicians of their class
is somewhat higher."

There was no doubt that the captain was surprised. "Fifty DOLLARS!" he
repeated. "Why--"

His wife interrupted. "That will be all right, Mr. Hungerford," she
said. "That will be quite satisfactory."

"Of course, there are many whom you can obtain for less, and, if you
feel that that figure is too high, I shall be glad to try elsewhere. I
have had little experience outside of the best, but--"

Serena interrupted again. "We don't want anybody but the best," she
declared, emphatically. "Be still, Daniel. This isn't Trumet."

Dani