They gained two minutes, perhaps, upon their guests, who had, some of them, to look up wraps, and to come round by the front hall and piazzas.  In these two minutes, by Sin Saxon’s order, they seated themselves comfortably at table.  They had plenty of room; but they spread their robes gracefully,—­they had all dressed in their very prettiest to-night,—­and they quite filled up the space.  Bright colors, and soft, rich textures floating and mingling together, were like a rainbow encircling the feast.  The candles had been touched with kerosene, and matches lay ready.  The lighting-up had been done in an instant.  And then Sin Saxon went to the door, and drew back the chintz curtains from across the upper half, which was of glass.  A group of the guests, young men, were already there, beneath the elms outside.  But how should she see them, looking from the bright light into the tree-shadows?  She went quietly back, and took her place at the head, leaving the door fast bolted.

There came a knock.  Sin Saxon took no heed, but smilingly addressed herself to offering dainties right and left.  Some of the girls stared, and one or two half rose to go and give admittance.

“Keep your seats,” said Sin, in her most lady-like way and tone, with the unchanged smile upon her face. “That’s the howl!”

They began to perceive the joke outside.  They began to knock vociferously.  They took up their cue with a readiness, and made plenty of noise, not doubting, as yet, that they should be admitted at last.  Some of the ladies came round, gave a glance, saw how things were going, and retreated,—­except a few, parties from other houses who had escorts among the gentlemen, and who waited a little to see how the frolic would end, or at least to reclaim their attendants.

Well, it was very unpardonable,—­outrageous, the scandalized neighbors were beginning already to say in their rooms.  Even Sin Saxon had a little excitement in her eye beyond the fun, as she still maintained the most graceful order within, and the exchange of courtesies went on around the board, and the tumult increased without.  They tree-toaded, they cat-called, they shouted, they cheered, they howled, they even hissed.  Sin Saxon sat motionless an instant when it came to that, and gave a glance toward the lights.  A word from her would put them out, and end the whole.  She held her coup in reserve, however, knowing her resource, and sat, as it were, with her finger on the spring, determined to carry through coolly what she had begun.

Dakie Thayne had gone away with the Linceford party when they crossed to the Green Cottage.  Afterward, he came out again and stood in the open road.  Some ladies, boarders at Blashford’s, up above, came slowly away from the uproar, homeward.  One or two young men detached themselves from the group on the piazza, and followed to see them safe, as it belonged to them to do.  The rest sat themselves