"Did you come for us, Jim?" she murmured, too tired to wonder why
the big fellow should cry as he put his face against hers.

"I came for you, dear! I came back to sit with you on the steps. I
didn't want to dance without my girl, and that's why I'm here. My
brave little girl!"

Mary Bell leaned against his shoulder contentedly.

"That's right; you rest!" said Jim. "We're all going home now, and
we'll have you tucked away in bed in no time. Mrs. Bates is all
ready for you!"

"Jim," whispered Mary Bell.

"Darling?"--he put his mouth close to the white lips.

"Jim, will you remind Aunty Bates to hang up my party dress real
carefully? In all the fuss some one's sure to muss it!" said Mary
Bell.






WHAT HAPPENED TO ALANNA

A capped and aproned maid, with a martyred expression, had twice