"but there is a little matter in which I think you can help us and at the same time do a very valuable aid to a very worthy cause."
Carmelita was all interest.
"Kvery year since the war we people of Hedgewood have been giving a lawn fête for the benefit of the disabled and wounded veterans of the late war. It has grown in the past few years to be quite an elaborate and complicated affair, though, of course, the increased receipts realized make it worth quite all the trouble it entails. This year we want to exceed all records if possible. Our first problem was to secure the proper location upon which to hold the Fête. We felt that it should be upon some site adjoining the Sound so that we might utilize the water for the decorated floats and other features. That precludes using the homes of either Mrs. Hurd or myself. Besides it is so much cooler by the water. Last year we used the grounds of Mrs. Thomas Hillary and found them quite ideal. Mr. Hillary's estate, as you probably know, is now occupied for the summer by Prince Rao-Singh."
Mrs. Peabody cleared her throat. Although her words were couched in as friendly a tone as one could imagine, yet she did not seem to be regarding her present task as an altogether pleasant one. Calling upon ladies to whom
