The people beyond the rope had nearly all gone away, and Mr. Savor was
coming back across the court with Mr. Peck. The players appeared from the
grove at the other end of the court in their vivid costumes, chatting and
laughing with their friends, who went down from the piazzas and terraces to
congratulate them. Mrs. Munger hurried about among them, saying something
to each group. She caught sight of Mr. Peck and Mr. Savor, and she ran
after them, arriving with them where Annie sat.

"I hope you were not anxious about Idella," Annie said, laughing.

"No; I didn't miss her at once," said the minister simply; "and then I
thought she had merely gone off with some of the other children who were
playing about."

"You shall talk all that over later," said Mrs. Munger. "Now, Miss Kilburn,
I want you and Mr. Peck and Mr. and Mrs. Savor to stay for a cup of coffee
that I'm going to give our friends out there. Don't you think they deserve
it? Wasn't it a wonderful success? They must be frightfully exhausted. Just
go right out to them. I'll be with you in one moment. Oh yes, the child!
Well, bring her into the house, Mrs. Savor; I'll find a place for her, and
then you can go out with me."

"I guess you won't get Maria away from her very easy," said Mr. Savor,
laughing. His wife stood with the child's cheek pressed tight against hers.