"Hang that fellow!" thought Thornton. "He has been introduced to her, and he has lost no time in getting in his work."
As soon as Diamond left the girl Tom hastened to
find Winnie Lee, of whom he requested an introduction to "Miss Darling."
"Oh, yes!" said Winnie, laughing; "she spoke of you, but I had almost forgotten. I trust you will find her very entertaining, Mr. Thornton."
"I am sure I shall," said Tom. "We have seen each other, you know, but have not been introduced."
"And she is very particular about that. Being bred in the country, she is not fully conversant with the ways of the world, but she knows an introduction is the proper thing, and she insists on that. There she is."
"Miss Darling" was seen chatting with a number of young gentlemen and ladies who had gathered about her.
The group scattered as Winnie and Tom came up. "Miss Darling" saw them, and timidly held her fan before her face, peering over it shyly.
"Mr. Thornton," laughed Winnie Lee, "it gives me the greatest pleasure to introduce you to Miss Darling."
Tom bowed profoundly, while the girl giggled, and made a courtesy. Winnie Lee laughed more than ever.