Before dinner there was a ring at the bell, and a servant brought in a card, which she gave to Jack, who was enjoying his first smoke of weeks, now that the game was over.
"Hello!" he cried. "Rob Marline! I didn't expect him."
"Rob Marline!" exclaimed Paula, in no little confusion. "Gracious! I must be looking like a fright! Come up to my room with me, Inza, and see that I am presentable."
So the girls ran up to Paula's room, and Jack directed that Marline be brought directly to the smoking-room.
"I want to look my best when Mr. Marline comes," said Paula, when they were in her boudoir. "I am sure my hair looks bad, and I must be a perfect fright."
Inza laughed.
"It seems to me you are very particular about Mr. Marline."
"I am," confessed Paula, busying herself before the mirror. "You know, he is Jack's particular friend."
"Oh, he's Jack's particular friend!"
The manner in which Inza said that brought a warm flush to Paula's cheeks, and she endeavored to hide her confusion, but in vain.