instantly seemed so to Mrs. Pasmer, as a plausible excuse will when we
make it.

"Why, I'll tell you what, Mrs. Pasmer," said young Mavering, with a
cordial unsuspicion that both won and reassured her, "we'll be sure to
find them at some of the spreads. Let me be of that much use, anyway; you
must."

"We really oughtn't to let you," said Mrs. Pasmer, making a last effort
to cling to her reluctance, but feeling it fail, with a sensation that
was not disagreeable. She could not help being pleased with the pleasure
that she saw in her daughter's face.

Young Mavering's was radiant. "I'll be back in just half a minute," he
said, and he took a gay leave of them in running to speak to another
student at the opposite end of the hall.




III.

"You must allow me to get you something to eat first, Mrs. Pasmer," said
the elder Mavering.

"Oh no, thank you," Mrs. Pasmer began. But she changed her mind and said,
"Or, yes; I will, Mr. Mavering: a very little salad, please." She had
really forgotten her hunger, as a woman will in the presence of any
social interest; but she suddenly thought his going would give her a
chance for two words with her daughter, and so she sent him. As he