lay in the back of Merry's mind. Some day he would have a home to offer Hildegarde. It increased his determination to win her. Happiness would come to him in such a consummation, and it would please Uncle Buck. As for Crispin Harlowe, he could take care of himself.
It was because, therefore, of this secret and stimulating knowledge that he had a right to woo, that he went gladly and willingly to Winslow's dance.
He talked about it to Hildegarde one night as they sat on the wide seat under the Blue Window.
"What are you going to wear?"
"It's a secret, Merry."
"You might tell me."
"Well, then—I'm to be a dryad—a green one. You've never seen anything so lovely as my dress."
"I'm not sure I like it. Dryads haven't souls—and you are all fire and spirit."
"Sally says souls aren't fashionable!"
"Poor Sally!"
"I feel that way about her, too, Merry. But the queer thing is, she seems to be happy. She says Neale's house is a dream."
"Haven't you seen it?"
"No. But I shall on the night of the ball. I can hardly wait."
"It's a gorgeous place, and in good taste. Neale knows all about tapestries and pictures, and old china and old books. And since he has made money, he has indulged himself. And Sally fits in with the rest. That's why he wants her—she's the final art object to complete his decorations."
