ice early.
His master liked it very cold--almost frozen. Then there were the
cocktails to get ready, and the cigars and the floral decorations,
with bouquets for the ladies and _boutonnieres_ for the men.
Altogether, Oku had a busy day.

But he was repaid when at half past six that evening he stood in the
salon and cast a last glance over the banquet table to make sure that
nothing had been forgotten. Viewed through the folding doors and
literally groaning under the load of handsome silver, fine crystal,
snowy linen, and cut flowers, the table presented a picture calculated
to fill the heart of any host with pride.

Oku glanced anxiously at the clock. He devoutly prayed that his dear
master would soon come. It was a terrible responsibility for him to
bear alone. Another half hour and the company would arrive, and his
master had still to dress! The minutes sped by and no sign of Mr.
Stafford. Where could he be? The butler was beginning to worry in
earnest when the telephone bell suddenly rang. The butler feverishly
picked up the receiver just in time to hear his master say:

"Is that you, Oku?"

"Yes--Sir--Excuse--please--Sir!"

"Oku," came Stafford's voice, "I've been held downtown at my club. I'm
just starting for home. If Miss Blaine and her friends come, make them
comfortable until I arrive. Understand?"

"Yes--Sir--Excuse--please--Sir!"

The speaker rang off and Oku, more nervous and excited than ever now
that he was called upon to act as host as well as caterer, danced
about the apartment like a man possessed. Seven o'clock struck and
the echoes of the last stroke had barely died away when there came a
discreet ring at the front door bell. Quickly Oku pulled himself
together and summoning up his most dignified manner, threw the door
wide open. On the threshold stood Mr. James Gillie, accompanied by
Virginia and Fanny.

"Is this Mr. Stafford's apartment?" inquired Jimmie in his grandest
manner.

"Yes, sir," said Oku with a deep salaam. "Excuse, please, and come in!
Excuse, please!"

None of the visitors were in evening dress. The girls wore shirt
waists and Jimmie's chief claims to distinction were a clean shave and
freshly-pressed pants. At the last moment Virginia had wished not to
come at all for this reason. She had no evening frock and could not
afford to get one for a single occasion, and Fanny was in the same
straits. There had been a long argument over the matter and not a few
tears, until fin