"Had an abscess in my
tooth; it's swelled my jaw up a bit."
Eleanor was not in the least concerned with his affliction. A civilian
with the toothache could not expect the consideration of a hero with a
shrapnel wound. Moreover, this was her first appearance in the role of
hostess at a large party, and she fluttered about like a distracted
humming-bird.
Miss Isobel laid a detaining hand on her bare shoulder.
"Did you know they were smoking in the dining-room, Nellie? Even some of
the _girls_ are smoking. If mother finds it out I don't know _what_ she
will do!"
"Call out the fire department, probably," said Eleanor flippantly.
"But listen! She will speak to them--you know she will. Don't you think
you can stop them?"
"Of course I can't!" declared Eleanor, her anger rekindling. "And we
can't dance with the windows down, either. Oh, dear, I wish we'd never
_tried_ to give a party!"
"May I have the next dance, Miss Eleanor?" Quin ventured at this
inopportune moment.
She turned upon him a perturbed face, "It's taken," she said absently.
"They are all taken until after supper. I'll give you one then." And with
this casual promise she hurried away.
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