"You are invited when and only when the invitation is inscribed with your name."

"Nevertheless, I am confident my name is on the invitation and my father has not had time to share it with me."

"Perhaps you should inquire and leave me to my duties."

Hayley was confident the invitation would not bear her name.

_ _

"Hayley!" Her father called out. She laid the dishcloth down on the counter and quickly left the kitchen.

"Coming Father." She rushed through the parlor door and found him sitting in his favorite chair. "I was not aware that you were home, Father." He turned and gave her a faint smile.

"Please sit down."

Hayley slowly walked to the couch and sat.

"I have a question for you." He cleared his throat strongly.

Hayley watched him pace the floor, and waited patiently for his words.

"Would you be willing to do a favor for Adelaide Sommers?" She wondered if she had heard him correctly. "I know she does not have an easy disposition."

He lit his pipe.

"Oh, yes, father, I am willing!" She jumped from the chair and rushed to his side.

"You do not even know the request." He turned his head slightly to blow smoke away from her face.

"Whatever it is, that is fine." She felt butterflies taking flight in her stomach.