didn't know but you would prefer to be on good terms with her, for all
that."

"Miss Mae can choose the terms on which we meet. I shall be content
whatever her decision. What are your plans for the day?"

Lounging Eric straightened himself at once. "I was a perfect fool last
night," he confessed, "and I must rely on you, old fellow, to help me
out. I made engagements for two weeks ahead with Miss Hopkins and Miss
Rae. At any rate, I'm booked for the play to-night. Now, I can't take
two girls very well. That is, I can, but I thought you might like a
show. You may have your choice of the two. Miss Rae, by the way, says
she's wild to know you; thought you were the most provoking man she ever
saw; and that you were--nonsensical idea--engaged to Mae. All because
you wouldn't look at her the other day when she passed you two, But you
can go with Miss Hopkins, if you prefer."

"Are they pretty?" asked Norman, apparently warming to the task, "and
bright?"

"I should say they were. Miss Hopkins has gorgeous great eyes,--but Miss
Rae is more your style. Still, you may have your choice."

"Silly boy; you're afraid to death that I shall choose Miss Hopkins.
Well, if they are not over stupid and flirtatious--"

"Stupid! Oh, no,"--Eric scouted that idea--"and flirtatious, perhaps.
Miss Hopkins rolls her eyes a good deal, but then she has a frankness, a
winning way."