I turned, and though there were several people between us, I caught a
glimpse of Somers' face as he was presented to Miss Van Allen. He was
bowled over. His eyes beamed with admiration and he bowed low as he
raised to his lips the dainty, bejeweled hand.

Vicky, apparently, did not welcome this old-time greeting, and she
drew away her hand, saying, "not allowed. Naughty man! Express proper
compunction, or you can't sit next me at supper!"

"Forgive me," begged Somers. "I'm sorry! I'll never do it
again--until after I sit next you at supper!"

"More brains than I thought," I said to Cassie, who nodded, and then
Vicky Van rose from her chair.

"Take my place for a moment, Mr. Somers," she said, standing before
him. "I--" she dropped her eyes adorably, "I must see about the
arrangement of seats at the supper table." With a merry laugh, she ran
from the room, and through the long hall to the dining-room.

Somers dropped into her vacant chair, and continued the Bridge game
with the air of one who knows how to play.

In less than five minutes Vicky was back. "No, keep the hand," she
said, as he rose. "I've played long enough. And supper will be ready
shortly."

"Finish the rubber,--I insist" Somers returned, and as he determinedly
stood behind the chair, Vicky, perforce, sat down.