Maud seized her hat and went off to the Haven as she did every morning now. It seemed the nicest hour of the day, for there it really was a haven of peace. The Phipps were always cheerful, always so happy over every little flower they found in their path.
Most mornings also Toney met her there. She was arranging for three new inmates, the deaf Captain Grant and Mr. and Mrs. Harris, and the Phipps were full of plans for their comfort. Toney had indeed chosen well. To-day, when their business was done, Toney seized on Maud.
"Come along and lunch with us, I want to show you all the arrangements for our romance. I do hope it will succeed, only you must help me, Maud."
Then Maud related what had taken place that morning.
"That is all on the right road. Aunt Dove is delighted because all 'our county friends' are coming. Can't think why lords and ladies please her so much. I never can learn her table of degrees." "There is Lewis," exclaimed Maud. "Oh, Toney, do tell him."
Toney was not surprised. Of course Lewis Waycott knew Maud went every day to the Haven, and of course he sort of happened to be often in the way. He shook hands as he said,
"So, Toney, we are all booked for your concert to-morrow. Who is the star you are preparing for us? Nobody knows!"
"It's Aunt Dove's concert, please; she is so smiling to-day, and she and Mr. Russell have been discussing all the musicians beginning with Tubal Cain. Maud has promised to pinch me at intervals in case I go to sleep. Only 'Sound the loud timbrel' sort of thing keeps me awake, but I guess I'll keep awake to-morrow because----"
"You are safe I know, Mr. Waycott, and I want you both to know."
"Yes, you and Maud of course, you will both be so pleased--if it succeeds."
"What is this surprise, Toney? I am a little nervous," and Lewis laughed.
"It's a romance--about Jeanie. You know, Mr. Waycott, that she loved someone once, but she chucked him up because his father kept a store somewhere."
"Oh! Jeanie's romance! You don't mean to say, Toney----"
"Yes, I do. I've got him, and no one knows but you two."
"Don't laugh please. He's coming, and all the musical people will be in a seventh heaven, and then Jeanie will come in looking beautiful and sad--and he will see her and she will see him--and----"