"Very well. Good-by." Her tone was icy; she did not even offer to shake hands with him.
Ralph turned and hurried down the steps, angry at himself for pleading so hard, angrier at her for being so cold. No girl ever thought of treating him—Ralph Clavering—like that before! The very idea! Most young ladies would be only too delighted at his invitation! And all for the sake of a penniless, dishonest, red-headed pilot! For Ralph had not yet learned that there were some things which he could not buy with his father's millions.
So he strode to the nearest telephone booth, and called Louise Haydock who, although she was flattered by the invitation, did not immediately accept. She had already promised Harriman Smith, and she so informed Ralph.
"Well, there isn't any law that says a girl can't go with two men, is there?" he demanded. "If she happens to be popular enough! Can't we all three go together?"
"Why aren't you going with Linda?" inquired Louise, shrewdly.
"We've quarreled," he admitted.
"Then make it up!" she advised. "Pull yourself together, Ralph—and apologize."
"I tried to, but it was no good. No, we're off!"
"Then Linda hasn't any partner?"
"She says she's going with her aunt," muttered Ralph.