In this languishing-eyed presence she herself did not feel at her
best; nor was she made happier by the way Raymond couldn't keep his
eyes off the visitor. She played her hand badly, so that Raymond and
his alluring partner "progressed" to the higher table while she
remained with the boy who didn't count. But, as luck would have it,
to take the empty places, from the head table, vanquished, came
Cousin Jim and his partner. Jim now played opposite her, and laughed
over his "dumbness" at the game.

"I feel sorry for you!" he told Missy. "I'm a regular dub at this
game!"

"I guess I'm a 'dub' too." It was impossible not to smile back at
that engaging flash of white teeth in the dark face.

This time, however, neither of them proved "dubs." Together they
"progressed" to the next higher table. Cousin Jim assured her it was
all due to her skill. She almost thought that, perhaps, she was
skillful at "hearts," and for the first time she liked the silly
game.

Eventually came time for the prizes--and then dancing. Dancing Missy
liked tremendously. Raymond claimed her for the first waltz. Missy
wondered, a little wistfully, whether now he mightn't be regretting
that pre-engagement, whether he wouldn't rather dance it with the
languishing-eyed girl he was following about.

But as soon as the violin and piano, back near the library window,
began to play, Raymond came straight to Missy and made his charming