up-stairs.''

``And Mary Jane?'' demanded William, a
little anxiously

``Will's getting nervous,'' volunteered Bertram,
airily. ``He wants to see Mary Jane. You see
we've told him that we shall expect him to see
that she doesn't bother us four too much, you
know. He's expected always to remove her quietly
but effectually, whenever he sees that she is
likely to interrupt a tte--tte. Naturally, then,
Will wants to see Mary Jane.''

Billy began to laugh hysterically. She dropped
into a chair and raised both her hands, palms
outward.

``Don't, don't--please don't!'' she choked,
``or I shall die. I've had all I can stand, already.''

``All you can stand?''

``What do you mean?''

``Is she so--impossible?'' This last was from
Bertram, spoken softly, and with a hurried glance
toward the hall.

Billy dropped her hands and lifted her head.