before?"

"No; but she sat next me at dinner, and she told me about herself. It
seems she has a wonderful brother--"

"She has!" It was amazing how Elise brightened up. "Why wasn't he invited
this evening?"

"He's away from home just now,--will return next week,--I think she said.
Get on your warpaint and feathers! See, the conquering heroine comes!"

"Stop teasing, Chick. I do like to meet strangers, and if Patty's
neighbour is attractive--"

"Patty's neighbour's brother,--you mean?"

"I do! If he's attractive, it'll add to my pleasure when visiting
Patty,--won't it?"

"It sure will,--and, may I say it? You'll add to his pleasure, I've no
doubt."

"Very pretty, Chick. You _are_ a nice boy."

"Thank you, ma'am. But I won't be in it, when the brother appears on the
scene, I fear! So, to make hay while the sun shines, won't you go in and
dance with me? I hear the light fantastics tripping in the hall."

They went in and found all of the party keeping time to the gay music of
the big victrola, and they joined the swaying couples.