Susan looked at him. So far all had gone well, but she didn't know
how long she could match his banter. So she favoured him with a
deliberate gaze, and said, "Bridge, is it? I'm fond of the game,
but I play only with expayrienced players,--so don't ask me."

"Ho! ho! Jack, that's a good one on you!" said Guy Martin, who sat
within hearing. "You're right, Mrs. Hastings; he's no sort of a
player, but I'm an expert. May I hope for a game with you some
time?"

"We'll see about it, young sir," said Susan, with cold dignity,
and then turned her attention to her plate.

In response to a desperate appeal from Patty, Jack stopped
teasing, and made general conversation, which interested the young
people, to the exclusion of Susan.

Then, supper over, he escorted the chaperon from the table,
talking to her in low tones.

"I hope I didn't bother you," he said. "You see, I know all about
it, and I think it's fine of you to help the girls out in this
way."

"You helped me far more than you bothered me, sir," Susan replied
with a grateful glance. "Will it soon be over now, sir?"

"Well, they'll have a few more dances, and probably they'll sing a
little. They'll go home before midnight. But, I say, Mrs.