bow. They danced through the two parlours and then out to the porch
and round its full length; the music carried beautifully through the
open windows; it was heavenly dancing outdoors like that. Too soon
it was over.

"Will you excuse me?" Raymond asked in his polite way. "Mother wants
to see me about something. I hate to run away, but--"

Scarcely had he gone when Mrs. Allen, with Jim in tow, came hurrying
up.

"Oh, Missy! I've been looking for you everywhere. Kitty's awfully
sick. She was helping with the refreshments and got hold of some
pickles. And on top of all that candy--"

"Oh!" commiserated Missy.

"I've got to get her home at once," Mrs. Allen went on. "I hate to
take you away just when your good time's beginning, but--"

"Why does she have to go?" Jim broke in. "I can take you and Kitty
home, and then come back, and take her home after the party's over."
He gave a little laugh. "You see that gives me an excuse to see the
party through myself!"

Mrs. Allen eyed Missy a little dubiously.

"Oh, Mrs. Allen, couldn't I?"

"I don't know--I said I'd bring you home myself."