"Your childhood will never be over," returned Kenneth; "I think you are the incarnation of youth, and always will be."
"I'm not so much younger than you."
"Five years,—that's a long time at our age. By the way, when are the
Hepworths coming home?"
"Next week; and we're planning the loveliest reception for them. You know their apartment is all ready, and we're going to have just a few people to supper there, the night they return."
"Shall I be one of the few?"
"Well, rather! The best man at the wedding must surely be at the home-coming. Doesn't it seem funny to think of Christine as mistress of her own home? She'll be perfectly lovely, I know. My goodness gracious! Ken, what time is it? I'm afraid I'm staying too late. I promised Nan I'd leave at half-past twelve."
"It's not much more than that. Can't you stay for another dance?"
"No, I can't possibly. I must run right away, or my motor car will turn into a pumpkin, and Louise into a white mouse. Take me to Mrs. Homer, please, and I will say good-night to her."
But as they crossed the room, they met Van Reypen coming toward them.
"Our dance, I think," he said, coolly, as he took Patty's hand.