Andrew the Glad

And late as it was dinner was announced three times before the host or

the guests could be persuaded to think of food. And not until David's bed

was made ready for the little guests did they begin to make their way

into the dining-room. It was Andrew who finally insisted on carrying the

babes away and tucking them in--only Caroline went with him with Little

Sister in her arms and laid her gently on the pillow. She refused to lift

her eyes to him for so much as a half-second until he drew her chair from

the table for her; but then her shy glance was deep with innocent

tenderness.

"Now," said the major as they settled laughingly into their places,

"everybody's glass high to the silent guests!" And they drank his toast

with enthusiasm.

"And," added David Kildare as he set down his glass, "they needn't be

'silent guests' unless it suits them. When they want to rough-house they

know Uncle David's is the place to come to do it in."

"But let's hope they won't want to, David," laughed Milly, radiant with

excitement.

"I tell you what let's do," said the enlivened Hobson from the coveted

seat next Caroline Darrah Brown, "let's all give them hard sleeping

suggestions, all at the same time.... Maybe they won't wake up for a

week."

"Andrew," said Mrs. Buchanan as she looked with delight in his direction,

"these are delicious things you and David have to eat. I am so glad you

are well again and can enjoy them."

"Better go slow, Andy," called David from down the table. "Sure you don't

need a raw egg? Phoebe has a couple up her sleeve here she can lend you.

The major has persuaded her to take a bit of duck and some asparagus and

a brandied peach and--"

"David Kildare," said Phoebe in a coolly dangerous voice, "I will get

even with you for that if it takes me a week. This is the first thing I

have had to eat since meal before last and I lost two and a half pounds

last week. So I'll see that you--"

"Please, please, Phoebe, I'll be good! Just let me off this time. I'm

giddy from looking at you!" And before a delighted audience David Kildare

abased himself.

"Anyway, I've got news to relate," he hastened to offer by way of

propitiation. "What do you think has happened to Andrew? I didn't promise

not to tell," he drawled, prolonging the agony to its limit.

"Hurry, David, do!" exclaimed Phoebe with suspended fork. Caroline leaned

forward eagerly, while Andrew began a laughing protest.

"It's only that Hetherton is going to put the great Mainwright on in

Andy's new play in the fall--letter came to-day. Now, doesn't he shove

his pen to some form--some?" he demanded as he beamed upon his friend

with the greatest pride.