"There they are!" she whispered to Nance, "the fat one is Monte, the other—"
Nance had an irresistible impulse to run away. Now that the time had come, she didn't want to meet those sophisticated young men in their long coats and high hats. She wouldn't know how to act, what to say. But Birdie had already joined them, and was turning to say airily:
"Shake hands with my friend Miss Millay, Mr. Clarke—and, I say, Monte, what's your other name?"
The older of the young men laughed good-naturedly.
"Monte'll do," he said. "I'm that to half the girls in town."
Mac's bright bold eyes scanned Nance curiously. "Where have I seen you before?" he asked instantly.
"Don't you recognize her?" said Monte. "She's the little bear! I'd know that smile in ten thousand!"
Nance presented him with one on the spot, out of gratitude for the diversion. She was already sharing Birdie's wish that no reference be made to Calvary Alley or the factory. They had no place in this rose-colored world.
Monte and the two girls had descended the steps to the street when the former looked over his shoulder.
"Why doesn't Mac come on?" he asked. "Who is the old party he is arguing with?"