to reject her aid and comfort, but how was he to accomplish this
delicate procedure? The situation was fraught with as much awkwardness
and embarrassment for him as for her.

She was late in joining the others at table. To her great relief,
after rising politely at her entrance and favoring her with an
impersonal smile, Farrel sat down and continued to discuss with John
Parker and his wife the great natural resources of Siberia and the
designs of the Japanese empire upon that territory. About the time the
black coffee made its appearance, Kay's harassed soul had found
sanctuary in the discussion of a topic which she knew would be of
interest--one in which she felt she could join exuberantly.

"Do tell father and mother of your plans for a _fiesta_, Miguel," she
pleaded presently.

"A _fiesta_, eh?" Mrs. Parker was instantly interested. "Miguel, that
is, indeed, a bright thought. I volunteer as a patroness here and now.
John, you can be a judge of the course, or something. Miguel, what is
the occasion of your _fiesta_?"

"At a period in the world's history, Mrs. Parker, when butter is a
dollar a pound and blue-denim over-alls sell freely for three dollars a
pair, I think we ought to do something to dissipate the general gloom.
I want to celebrate my return to civil life, and my more recent return
from the grave. Also, I would just as lief indicate to the county at
large that, outside of business hours, we constitute a very happy
little family here; so if you all please, I shall announce a _fiesta_
in honor of the Parker family."