"My gracious, Mannie!" she exclaimed, "can't you understand he's
coming here to make a call on Vera -- like a gentleman -- not
like no District Attorney."

Mannie precipitately retreated from his position as champion.

"Sure, I understand," he protested.

With the joy that a match-making mother takes in the hunt, Mabel
sank into the plush rocking chair and, rocking violently, turned
upon Vera an eager and excited smile.

"Think of our Vera knowing Mr. Winthrop socially?" she
exclaimed. "It's grand! And they say his sisters are elegant
ladies. Last winter I read about them at the opera, and it
always printed what they had on. Why didn't you tell me you
knowed him, Vera?" she cried reproachfully. "I tell you
everything!"

"I don't know him," protested the girl. "I used to see him when
he lived in the same town."

Mabel, inviting further confidences, ceased rocking and nodded
encouragingly. "Up in Geneva?" she prompted.

"Yes," said Vera, "I used to see him every afternoon then, when
he played ball on the college nine -- "

"Who?" demanded Mannie incredulously.