"She has!" It was amazing how Elise brightened up. "Why wasn't he invited this evening?"
"He's away from home just now,—will return next week,—I think she said.
Get on your warpaint and feathers! See, the conquering heroine comes!"
"Stop teasing, Chick. I do like to meet strangers, and if Patty's neighbour is attractive—"
"Patty's neighbour's brother,—you mean?"
"I do! If he's attractive, it'll add to my pleasure when visiting
Patty,—won't it?"
"It sure will,—and, may I say it? You'll add to his pleasure, I've no doubt."
"Very pretty, Chick. You are a nice boy."
"Thank you, ma'am. But I won't be in it, when the brother appears on the scene, I fear! So, to make hay while the sun shines, won't you go in and dance with me? I hear the light fantastics tripping in the hall."
They went in and found all of the party keeping time to the gay music of the big victrola, and they joined the swaying couples.
As they passed Betty Gale and Van Reypen, Elise overheard her saying,
"You're awfully good to me,—and you've only just met me to-night!"