excuse with me. I want you to know Miss Merton." Then turning
to the small creature, whose head peeped just above his elbow,
Alfred explained to her graciously that Jimmy Jinks was his very
best friend, present company excepted, of course, and added that
she and Jimmy would no doubt "see a great deal of each other in
the future."

In his embarrassment, Jimmy's eyes went straight to the young
lady's shoes. It was possible that there might be more expensive
shoes in this world, but Jimmy had certainly never seen daintier.

"I hope we didn't disturb you," a small voice was chirping; and
innocent and conventional as the remark surely was, Jimmy was
certain of an undercurrent of mischief in it. He glanced up to
protest, but two baby-blue eyes fixed upon him in apparent
wonderment, made him certain that anything he could say would
seem rude or ridiculous; so, as usual when in a plight, he looked
to Alfred for the answer.

Slapping Jimmy upon the shoulder in a condescending spirit,
Alfred suggested that they all sit down and have a chat.

"Oh, how nice," chirped the small person.

Jimmy felt an irresistible desire to run, but the picture of
himself, in his very stout person, streaking across the campus to
the giggled delight of Miss Fluff, soon brought him submissively
to the seat, where he sat twiddling his straw hat between his
fingers, and glancing uncertainly at Alfred, who was thoughtful
enough to sit next him.