"The ice episode threatens to become a diplomatic incident."
"Why—whatever is the matter?" smiled Helen.
The lawyer was so much amused that he could hardly keep his face straight. With an effort he controlled himself, and said:
"Just now I was talking with a pretty girl and Dick suddenly forced his way through the crowd, going in the direction of the buffet. I had no idea on what a serious mission he was bound, of course, and so I called him to introduce him to the pretty girl, who had with her an aunt, a veritable witch, as hideous as a Medusa, and who, in addition, is afflicted with a wooden leg. Dick gave the aunt only a glance. That was enough, but he was all smiles for her pretty niece, who, I must admit, is somewhat of a flirt. Anyhow she rolled her eyes so eloquently at him that he forgot all about the important errand on which he was bound. Just at that moment the musicians struck up a schottische, and, on the spur of the moment, he asked the pretty girl to dance. She declined, with an arch smile, but, pointing to the old witch, said her aunt would be delighted. Poor Dick! There was no help for it. The Medusa got up, seized him in her claws, and, the last thing I saw of the poor youth, they were doing a sort of Bunny Hug, the wooden leg of his lady partner marking time on the waxed floor."
"Please stop! If you go on—I shall expire."
Ray was nearly in convulsions of laughter in which all joined. When Helen had somewhat regained her composure, she said:
"I think it's unkind to make fun of the poor woman. Who is she?"
"I haven't the least idea. Perhaps Dick will tell us."
At that moment the youth emerged from the throng and came towards them, his linen mussed, his hair dishevelled. But in one hand he held grimly a plate of ice cream. Looking shamelessly at Ray, he smiled:
"I've got it—at last."