attention, and she wondered what had come over the generally
entertaining banker. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask him the
reason for his distrait manner when her thoughts were diverted by
his next remark.

"Your father and Mrs. Brewster make a fine couple," he said.
"Colonel McIntyre is the most distinguished looking man in the caf
and Mrs. Brewster is a regular beauty."

Instead of replying Barbara turned in her seat and scanned her
father as he and Mrs. Brewster passed them in the dance. Colonel
McIntyre did not look his age of forty-seven years. His hair,
prematurely gray, had a most attractive wave to it, and his erect
and finely proportioned figure showed to advantage in his well-cut
dress suit. Barbara's heart swelled with pride - her dear and
handsome father! Then she transferred her regard to Margaret
Brewster; she had been such a satisfactory friend - why oh, why did
she wish to become her step-mother? The twins, with the unerring
instinct of womanhood, had decided ten days before that Weller's
warning to his son was timely - Mrs. Brewster was a most dangerous
widow.

"How is your sister?" inquired Clymer, breaking the silence which
had lasted nearly five minutes. He was never quite certain which
twin he was talking to, and generally solved the problem by
familiarizing himself with their mode of dress. The plan had not
always worked as the twins had a bewildering habit of exchanging
clothes, to the enjoyment of Barbara's mischief loving soul, and
the mystification of their numerous admirers.