At the same instant, Michael turned the tap in the cellar and the water gushed forth in a myriad sparkling rainbow streams. Everybody clapped! It was exactly as if the delicate figure of the Enchantress poised there had really waved her wand and performed a miracle!
A belated car came puffing up the hill, a green roadster covered with dust. From the seat Hattie May waved frantically. Eve flew down the path, I after her. Hamish peered out at the group about the fountain. "Say," he demanded, "we ain't too late for the refreshments are we?"
"No, indeed, there's lots left," I told him laughing.
"We had a blow-out of course," Hattie May said as she climbed out. "My how pretty everything looks!"
As we came up the path Hamish caught sight of Gopher collecting plates. "My aunt!" he exclaimed, "Mean to say you let that fellow go round loose?"
"Oh," giggled Eve. "he's quite tame now really--just like the garden. You'd be surprised!"
Eve came out with a heaping tray. "Hasn't anything more queer been happenin', I suppose?" Hamish inquired hopefully between mouthfuls.
"No, I'm afraid not," I answered. "No more mysteries--except of course what became of the china duck. And I'm afraid that'll never be solved."
Hamish set down his empty plate regretfully. "By the way," he remarked, "I brought along a few little souvenirs I picked up on the way. They're out in the car."
After the other guests had departed Hamish distributed his presents. There was a vanity case for Aunt Cal whose countenance to date has been innocent of make-up; shell-covered workboxes for Eve and me; a combination pocket knife and can opener for Michael and a huge heart-shaped box of chocolates for Miss Rose.
"Oh, you cruel boy," Miss Rose cried, "to tempt me so!" She selected a plump one before passing the box.
As Aunt Cal turned to walk with Mr. Templeton to his car Hattie May whispered quite loudly, "I must say, Sandy, that your aunt has changed. Why she's like a different person almost."
"Hush!" I warned, "It's all Circe's doing! Magic, you know!"
"I guess more likely it's two living Circes that have done the trick," said Miss Rose slyly, selecting another chocolate.
"Oh, you mean you and--and Gopher?" Eve inquired mischievously.