"Why!" cried Polly quite aghast, "that can't be Joel. He just hates
girls, you know, Mr. Alstyne, and never goes to parties."

"He seems to be able to endure it all very well to-night," said her
companion dryly. "Shall I get you an ice, Miss Polly?"

"Yes, thank you," said Polly absently, not being able to take her eyes
from Joel and his friend. At last, by the force of attraction, he turned
and looked at her. But instead of showing self-consciousness, his round
eyes surveyed her coolly, while he went on talking and laughing with the
little blue-and-white thing.

"Polly, Polly," exclaimed Alexia Rhys, hurrying up, while Jasper was
storming the supper table for her, "do look at Joel Pepper! He actually
brought in a girl to supper!"

"I see," said Polly, gazing at the two in a fascinated way.

"On the other hand," said Alexia, sending swift, bird-like glances
around the supper room, "there are Van and Percy moping off by
themselves as if they hadn't a friend in the world. What a pity; they
used to be so lively at parties."

Polly wrenched her gaze away from the astonishing sight on which it had
been fixed, and following Alexia's glance, took a keen look over at the
young Whitneys. "Oh! oh! I must go to them," she cried remorsefully.
"Tell Mr. Alstyne, please, when he comes back, where I am," and without
another word she dashed back of some gaily dressed ladies just entering
the supper room, and was out of the door.