"A man!"
"I didn't explain to you last night, did I? You were too sick. Well, I'll tell you what has happened."
Mary sketched the affair as briefly as she could. Nell Norcross, rightful owner of the magnificent references, showed flashes of interest, but for the most part she lapsed into listlessness. Her head still ached and the medicine that she took every two hours tasted frightfully.
"Now, what would you do with a young man like that?" asked Mary.
"I—I don't know. I'll have to think." Nell turned wearily on the pillow and closed her eyes. "I—I'm afraid I can't think now."
"Any suggestion might help," said Mary, encouragingly.
Nell groaned and asked for a drink of water. Mary fetched it and again sat by the bedside.
"Just a single idea as a starter," she urged.
"Oh, give a party," answered Nell, irritably. "They all do that."
"What kind of a party?"