``I am often called that.'' His brown eyes
twinkled, but they did not swerve from their
direct gaze into her own.

``But--'' Billy hesitated, and turned her
eyes away. She saw then that many curious
glances were already being flung in her direction.
The color in her cheeks deepened. With an odd
little gesture she seemed to toss something aside.
``Never mind,'' she laughed a little hysterically.
``If you'll pick up your bag, please, Mr.
Mary Jane, and come with me. John and Peggy
are waiting. Or--I forgot--you have a trunk,
of course?''

The man raised a protesting hand.

``Thank you; but, Miss Neilson, really--I
couldn't think of trespassing on your hospitality
--now, you know.''

``But we--we invited you,'' stammered Billy.

He shook his head.

``You invited _Miss_ Mary Jane.''

Billy bubbled into low laughter.

``I beg your pardon, but it _is_ funny,'' she sighed.